The RMP is a comprehensive document developed to guide Reclamation and the Commission in managing land and water resources. The RMP will include long term management goals and objectives for the 4SW Reservoirs, developed through input from you, the public, addressing the needs of all project users and ensuring the protection of the resources.
Although most resources remain the same since the original RMP's, the type and frequency of usage has increased. Development of a new RMP will help identify issues and management alternatives in order to establish guidelines that will ensure effective land management of these multiple-use reservoirs. The development of RMP's for the 4SW Reservoirs will take approximately a year and a half to complete.
Not necessarily. It is possible that some management practices may be changed as a result of the RMP planning efforts, however we don't anticipate any major changes. Rather, the development of the RMP's offers us an opportunity to review current management, public issues and needs, and the condition of resources at the 4SW Reservoirs. Consulting and gathering data from the Commission, state and county officials, users and any interested parties, will assist managers in making knowledgeable decisions and formulating effective guidelines for the management of the reservoir's natural resources.
A focus group is a team of individuals that have a common interest in the use and stewardship of a particular resource. The 4SW Reservoirs focus groups will be comprised of small teams of agency individuals. The groups will examine and discuss the technical data and public input gathered in order to develop proposed management alternatives to be considered. The management of specific resources, will be addressed including:
Public involvement is a critical element in the development of RMP's for the reservoirs. We welcome your suggestions, comments, and/or opinions at anytime throughout the process. The
input
and
suggestions
concerning
these
reservoirs,
by
users
like
you,
will
provide
valuable
information
to
managers
to
help
them
ensure
appropriate
use
and
stewardship
of
the
4SW
Reservoirs.
Yes, it is required by law. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the administering agency to complete the appropriate environmental study anytime an action is proposed on Federal lands or where Federal funds will be expended. An RMP will be developed for each reservoir. However, the management alternatives for the 4SW Reservoirs will be collectively identified and evaluated in a single Environmental Assessment (EA) document. The EA will consider the impacts to the environment and also the political and economic feasibility. When the draft EA is completed, the public will have 30 days to review and comment on the proposed management alternatives. All comments will be considered for inclusion in the alternatives outlined in the final EA We will keep you involved in the development of the RMP's through newsletters like this one, special mailings, informational open houses, press releases, and on our web site at www.gp.usbr.gov.
The public is invited to attend open houses to be held in McCook, Nebraska. Dates and times will be announced. The open houses will be held to gather and discuss your ideas regarding management of the 4SW Reservoirs. In addition to the Web site and local newspapers, meetings will be announced by information posted at the 4SW marinas and information kiosks in the recreation areas. The Resource Management Plan Newsletter is not published on any set schedule but as the process evolves or issues develop.
|