[Federal Register: October 31, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 211)]
[Notices]
[Page 62097-62098]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31oc03-82]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Reclamation
[DES 03-56]
Lake Berryessa Visitor Services Plan, Napa County, CA
AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Draft Environmental Impact
Statement (DEIS) and notice of public hearings.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, the Bureau of Reclamation has made available for public review
and comment the DEIS for the Lake Berryessa Visitor Services Plan
(VSP). The DEIS outlines the proposed project alternatives that seek to
address issues related to the VSP, including the type
[[Page 62098]]
and level of facilities and services that are appropriate for future
uses on Federal land. The current concession contracts at Lake
Berryessa expire in 2008/2009. The VSP will be used as a basis for
future concession contracts.
DATES: An open house will be held on November 22, 2003, from 1 to 4
p.m.
Two public hearings will be held on January 21, 2004, from 1 to 4
p.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. Requests for special assistance at the public
hearings should be made as far in advance of the hearings as possible,
but not later than January 7, 2004.
Comments on the DEIS will be accepted on or before February 4,
2004. (See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for additional information
on the open house, public hearings, submitting comments, and special
assistance.)
ADDRESSES: The open house and public hearings will be held at the
Solano County Fairgrounds, Exposition Hall, 900 Fairgrounds Drive,
Vallejo, CA 94589.
Send comments on the DEIS to Ms. Janet Sierzputowski, Bureau of
Reclamation, 2800 Cottage Way (Attn: MP-140), Sacramento, CA 95825. A
copy of the Executive Summary, DEIS, and/or the technical appendices
may be obtained by calling Ms. Sierzputowski at 916-978-5112.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Stephen Rodgers at 707-966-2111 x106, fax 707-966-0409, or e-mail: srodgers@mp.usbr.gov
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Lake Berryessa was created as part of the Solano Project with the
completion of Monticello Dam in 1957. In 1958, Reclamation and the
County of Napa entered into an agreement for the County to assume
management responsibilities for the lake. A Public Use Plan (PUP) was
developed by the National Park Service in 1959 to guide Reclamation and
the County in the development of recreational facilities at the lake.
In 1975, Reclamation resumed direct management of Lake Berryessa as a
result of Title VI of the Reclamation Development Act of October 27,
1974 (Pub. L. 93-493), which authorizes Reclamation to provide for the
protection, use, and enjoyment of the aesthetic and recreational values
at Lake Berryessa. In 1987, a new planning process began to develop an
updated management document for the lake. A Reservoir Area Management
Plan (RAMP) was developed to provide guidance for Reclamation in
management issues which were not mentioned in the PUP and to assist
Reclamation in administering the lake and concession areas. Reclamation
completed a Final EIS for the RAMP in 1993.
Presently there are seven concessionaires authorized by Reclamation
to provide commercial support services to Lake Berryessa visitors.
These seven concession contracts have been in effect since the late
1950s. All the contracts will expire by 2009. Reclamation also
administers two day-use areas and a public boat launching facility as
well as numerous roadside turnouts and trails. The east side of the
lake has been designated a State Wildlife Area and is managed
cooperatively by Reclamation and the California Department of Fish and
Game.
Visitor Services Plan (VSP)
The VSP will identify and develop the types and levels of
recreation support services and facilities to be provided both
commercially and by the government at Lake Berryessa. Some of the
issues to be addressed in the VSP include day use needs, long-term and
short-term recreational vehicle and trailer sites, retention or
elimination of exclusive long-term trailer sites as presently operated,
campground development, marina development, consolidation or expansion
of existing commercial operations, new services development and
construction, retention or removal of existing facilities, food and
beverage service needs, overnight lodging facilities, and support for
marine based activities such as fishing (individual and tournament),
swimming, water skiing, etc.
Special Assistance
If special assistance is required, please call Janet Sierzputowski
at 916-978-5112. If a request cannot be honored, the requester will be
notified. A telephone device for the hearing impaired (TDD) is
available at 916-978-5608.
Open House
The open house will be held to provide the public with an
opportunity to study the environmental issues addressed in the DEIS. It
will consist of informational displays staffed by project team members
who will be answering questions.
Public Hearings
The public hearings will be held to provide the public with an
opportunity to comment on the DEIS. Oral comments will be taken by a
certified court reporter. Comments will also be taken via comment
sheets.
Comments
Comments will be accepted in the following formats:
Written--Written comments should be addressed to Ms. Janet
Sierzputowski at the address above.
Comment Cards--Comment cards will be available to all that attend
the public hearings. They can be returned at the public hearing, faxed
to Janet Sierzputowski at 916-978-5114, or mailed to Ms. Sierzputowski
at the address above.
Electronic--Comments may be submitted electronically by e-mailing the project team at: jsierzputowski@mp.ubsr.gov.
Additional Information
Additional information is available at the Web site: http:/www.usbr.gov/mp/berryessa
.
Comments, including the names and home addresses of respondents,
will be available for public review. Individual respondents may request
that their home address be withheld from public disclosure, which will
be honored to the extent allowable by law. If they wish their name and/
or address withheld, they must state that prominently at the beginning
of their comment. Submissions from organizations or businesses, and
individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of
organizations or businesses, will be available for public disclosure in
their entirety.
Dated: September 25, 2003.
Susan Ramos,
Assistant Regional Director, Mid-Pacific Region.
[FR Doc. 03-27497 Filed 10-30-03; 8:45 am]