News Release Archive

Reclamation releases draft environmental assessment for Kern National Wildlife Refuge water acquisition

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

For Release: September 10, 2018

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation has released a draft environmental assessment for public review on acquiring up to 1,000 acre-feet of water for the Refuge Water Supply Program, specifically for Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex, under the authorization of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act.

Reclamation may propose entering into an agreement with The Nature Conservancy and Semitropic Water District for the water, effective September 2018 through Feb. 28, 2019.

The 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=34621.

Written comments must be received by close of business, Sept. 17, 2018 and should be sent to Shelly Hatleberg, Bureau of Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way (MP-410), Sacramento, CA 95825, emailed to shatleberg@usbr.gov, or faxed to 916-978-5059. For additional information or to request a copy of the document, please contact Hatleberg at 916-978-5050 (TTY 800-877-8339). Copies of the document may also be viewed at Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Regional Office at the above address.

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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.