News Release
| Release Number: | 01-108 |
| Dated: | 7/23/2001 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore. -- Several public comments were received on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proposal to fence the entire 22-mile perimeter of the Elk Creek Project in Jackson County. This action is proposed to improve management of grazing cattle on project lands and to better control invasion of noxious weeds until a long-term management plan is developed for the project.
As a result of the comments, the Corps is gathering additional information and reviewing some additional alternatives presented by the public. Doug Clarke, the Corps' project manager for the fencing project, said he expected the Corps would complete their evaluation and finalize the environmental assessment (EA) addressing the work by mid-September.
The Corps invited public comment on the fencing proposal when it released its EA on May 8, 2001. The normal 30-day comment period was extended to July 9 at public request.
The Elk Creek Project was authorized as one of three multiple purpose projects designed to operate as a system to reduce flooding in the Rogue River Basin and to accomplish additional purposes, including irrigation and fish and wildlife enhancement. Construction began in 1971. Several legal actions that ensued over a period of several years, however, stopped construction midway. In 1995, the Corps notified the U.S. Congress of its intent to evaluate options for long- term management of the project in its incomplete state.
The Corps is soliciting comments from federal, state and local agencies and officials, Native American tribes, and other interested parties.