News Release Archive

Reclamation Seeks Public Input on Request for 20-Year Permit for Private Club at Horsetooth Reservoir

Media Contact: James Bishop, (970) 461-5426, jbishop@usbr.gov

For Release: April 12, 2019

LOVELAND, Colorado -- The U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Eastern Colorado Area Office (ECAO) is seeking public input on a request by the private Sail and Saddle Club for an up to 20-year special use permit to allow its operations to continue on federal land at Horsetooth Reservoir. Pertinent information regarding the special use permit can be found at url: www.usbr.gov/gp/ecao/ under "Current News & Upcoming Events."

To fully evaluate this permit request, ECAO has scheduled two public input events as follows:

Monday, April 15th 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Loveland Museum, 503 N. Lincoln Ave, Loveland, CO
Tuesday, April 16th 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Old Town Public Library, 201 Peterson Street, Ft Collins, CO

During each session, ECAO will describe the location specified in the permit; its current usage; and seek public input as to whether issuing a long-term lease to the Sail and Saddle Club is compatible with public needs at Horsetooth Reservoir. Other criteria for review include compatibility with authorized project purposes, project operations, safety, and security; environmental compliance; public health and safety; and current financial obligations to Reclamation. The first hour of each session will be an Open House where the public can review presentation materials, talk to ECAO staff, and submit written comments or sign up to speak during the meeting. The second hour of each session is a public meeting with a short presentation, question and answer forum, followed by an opportunity for oral comments from the public.

Citizens will also be afforded the opportunity to provide written comments from April 3, 2019, through the end of business on May 17, 2019. Written comments may be submitted via:

Email: ECAO@usbr.gov
Regular mail: ECAO Office - Horsetooth Recreation Permit
11056 W. County Road 18 E, Loveland, CO 80537
Fax: (970) 662-3212

Following the public comment period, ECAO will evaluate public input, decide if issuing a long-term permit to the private club is compatible with public recreation at Horsetooth Reservoir, and potentially prepare an environmental assessment to evaluate the human and environmental impacts of the proposed action.

The Resource Management Plan (RMP) between the recreation manager of Horsetooth Reservoir, Larimer County Natural Resources, and the land owner, Reclamation can be found at: www.usbr.gov/gp/ecao/nepa/larimer_county_appen_abc.pdf. This RMP guides recreation development as well as the management of natural and cultural resources.

More about the Colorado-Big Thompson Project:

Reclamation owns and operates nearly 7,000 acres of land and water at the four reservoirs: Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Pinewood Reservoir and Flatiron Reservoir. Under the terms of an agreement with Reclamation, Larimer County Department of Natural Resources manages recreational activities and maintains recreation facilities at these four reservoirs. The four reservoirs are part of the Colorado-Big Thompson water project. Water stored in these reservoirs is distributed by Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District for municipal, industrial, agricultural, and other uses.

For general information about ECAO, please contact James Bishop at 970-461-5426 or at jbishop@usbr.gov.

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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.

Relevant Link:

Eastern Colorado Area Office Home Page