News Release Archive

Reclamation takes another step toward recreational development at five areas around Lake Berryessa

Media Contact: Erin Curtis, 916-978-5100, eccurtis@usbr.gov

For Release: September 11, 2017

NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has released a document that evaluates the potential installation of infrastructure that would make permanent recreational development possible at five sites around Lake Berryessa. An Environmental Assessment released Monday proposes to authorize infrastructure and conceptual site plans to support future development of permanent recreation facilities at the following recreation areas, from north to south: Putah Canyon, Monticello Shores, Berryessa Point, Spanish Flat and Steele Canyon.

The draft EA was prepared to evaluate potential environmental consequences related to implementation of infrastructure plans and conceptual site plans prepared for each location. The installation of infrastructure such as wastewater treatment and disposal, electrical distribution and access such as roads and parking areas is required for development of permanent recreation facilities not currently offered at these sites. The infrastructure plans evaluated in this EA are preliminary in nature, developed based on the core, essential infrastructure needed to support the management direction in the Lake Berryessa Reservoir Area Management Plan and subsequent Visitor Services Plan. Future concessionaires would have opportunity to propose to Reclamation the designs, numbers and precise locations of entry stations, marinas, boat launches, campgrounds, lodging units, RV campsites, day use amenities and other conceptual elements of the proposed action.

Reclamation considered various levels of development during its planning process and has refined the conceptual site plans based on a market assessment, a financial feasibility evaluation and input received from the public during the planning process. The recreational development would support short term recreational opportunities as defined in the VSP EIS and VSP ROD.

The draft EA was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_project_details.php?Project_ID=29586. For questions on this project or to request a copy of the document, please contact Bonnie Van Pelt at 916-537-7062 (TTY 800-877-8339) or bvanpelt@usbr.gov.

Comments must be received by close of business Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017, and should be sent to Bonnie Van Pelt, Bureau of Reclamation, Central California Area Office, 7794 Folsom Dam Road, Folsom, CA 95630-1799. Comments may also be emailed to bvanpelt@usbr.gov or faxed to 916-537-7035.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.