News Release Archive

Reclamation seeks comments on proposed changes to recreational use of “Geezer Beach”

Media Contact: Lynne Brougher, (509) 633-9503, lbrougher@usbr.gov
Annette Ross, aross@usbr.gov

For Release: December 03, 2018

GRAND COULEE, Wash. – The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public comment to identify issues to be addressed in an Environmental Assessment on altering recreational uses of the area within the Reclamation Zone, southwest of the Third Power Plant, known as “Geezer Beach.”

Under the 1990 Lake Roosevelt Cooperative Management Agreement, Reclamation manages the portion of the shoreline known as “Geezer Beach.” Reclamation has observed cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles parked in the reservoir, on federally owned and Reclamation-managed land (Reclamation Zone) during the spring draw down. Driving and parking on the drawdown can present a public safety risk to drivers and others because these vehicles can become stuck, roll into the reservoir, or become abandoned.

Reclamation proposes making changes to the recreational use of “Geezer Beach,” to address safety concerns related to driving vehicles on the reservoir shoreline. Reclamation will analyze the potential effects of a range of alternative actions. In the scoping phase, we will seek public comment to help identify and bring focus to concerns, issues, and analyses that should be included in the draft environmental assessment.

Proposed alternatives are as follows:

• No Action: Reclamation continues to allow vehicles to enter onto and drive on the drawdown at “Geezer Beach.”
• Proposed Alternative 1: Reclamation restricts physical access to cars, trucks, all-terrain vehicles, and recreational vehicles in the Reclamation Zone to designated parking areas.
• Proposed Alternative 2: Reclamation closes the area within the Reclamation Zone to fishing and recreation.

Information obtained during the scoping period, December 3 through December 31, 2018, will bring focus to concerns, issues, and analyses that should be included in the draft environmental assessment. Written comments can be sent to Lon Ottosen, Bureau of Reclamation, Grand Coulee Power Office, PO Box 620, Grand Coulee, WA 99133 or emailed to lottosen@usbr.gov. Comments must be received no later than December 31, 2018, to be considered.

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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.