Newsroom Channel

Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center Operations Move Temporarily

GRAND COULEE, Wash. - The Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center will temporarily move operations to the John W. Keys III Pump Generating Plant beginning October 1 through mid-December while the new 500kV lines are strung across the Columbia River.

The safety of our visitors and our employees is our top priority,” said Lynne Brougher, Grand Coulee Dam Public Affairs Officer. “Moving visitor center operations is our best short-term solution.” The lines run over the visitor center and the visitor parking lot from the forebay dam behind the Third Power Plant to towers located on the west side of Highway 155.

The project is expected to take about 2½ months. During that time, visitors will still be able to view exhibits and speak with Reclamation guides at the John W. Keys III Pump Generating Plant. They will also have access to viewing areas outside of the pumping plant where they can watch the placement of the new lines.

The John W. Keys III Pump Generating Plant will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours into the pumping plant will be offered daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. until October 13. Visitors should use the parking lot to the south of the pumping plant where the statue of Franklin D. Roosevelt overlooks Lake Roosevelt. A free shuttle van will be available to transport visitors from the parking area to the pumping plant. View a map of the area at http://goo.gl/maps/Ma5D8.

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For more information, call the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center at (509) 633-9265 or visit the website at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/.

Living River Flows Kids' Minds

"If you're a little salmon you could live under there, or live under there — even right here!"

Jeff Peterson got their attention. He guides several kids' eyes to a small plastic tree that have been strategically placed over an artificial river-course carved with fine shavings of recycled pop bottles.

It's the Living River Exhibit in action at the Sawtooth Salmon Festival in Stanley, Idaho, on a cool weekend in August. Even with smoke in the valley and the region's largest fire burning its way northward, kids, parents, grandparents, and locals found time to attend the 10th annual Salmon Festival in this tiny mountain town. Sponsored by Idaho Rivers United, the festival is a unique opportunity to see returning salmon and learn about their quest for survival.

The event is timed for the return of adult Chinook salmon, who travel 800 to 900 miles from the Pacific Ocean to spawn and die in their native tributaries off the Salmon River. This year, about 160 fish returned to the upper reaches of the Salmon.

Since mid-morning dozens of kids have crowded around the Living Rivers model, which contains a continuous stream of water and a dynamic riverbed of artificial sand. Miniature farm animals, trees, sticks, and white stones are scattered across the 3- by 8-foot trough.

The Bureau of Reclamation's Jeff Peterson, a civil engineer by trade, is working a crowd of kids. They're learning about salmon habitat, whether formed naturally by the river's hand or with a little help from engineers like Peterson.

"Salmon are too big to go into this tank — especially this one!" cries out nine-year-old Sara McGlynn.

"You're right," says Peterson, "but it's fun to make homes for them, huh?"

Sarah, visiting from Seattle with her mom, studied salmon just before school broke for the summer. She and her five-year-old brother Seamus have dug several side channels in the model.

"We're building and we're collecting the rocks and putting them here," she explains. "It creates little places for the salmon to hide. Then, the rocks will be a little place for them to spawn in."

Reclamation is just one of a dozen participants in the festival along with several environmental groups and the U.S. Forest Service; all feature salmon-themed activities.

For Reclamation engineers and biologists, the festival is an opportunity to engage kids in river dynamics and demonstrate habitat improvement projects that the agency is working on with partners including states, tribes, other federal agencies, non-profits, local organizations, and landowners.

Just downstream a dozen miles is the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River. Ten months ago, Reclamation and their partners set out to build side-channel habitat in a heavily dredged section of the Yankee Fork. For 25 years a large dredge sifted gold from the riverbed and left a large scar on the rivers' ecosystem.

Today, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Trout Unlimited, the Salmon-Challis National Forest, three state agencies, Bonneville Power Administration, and Reclamation are working with private landowner J.R. Simplot Co. to revitalize this stretch of river. Work to build new side channel habitat will begin on Sept 6.

For salmon supporters and residents the festival had lots of technical information, but the Living River model really helps explain the big picture.

"Adults like to play with this model, too," explains Peterson. "They see the connection with the Yankee Fork and the need to regain habitat for juveniles. They see how the large woody debris in the river gets formed into valuable habitat — we have the chance to explain that less wood should be taken out of the river," says Peterson.

Meanwhile, kids are hanging on the edges of the river model. The artificial river demonstrates, in a couple of minutes, something that would take all summer to develop in the real world.

"Kids like to build log jams. They like to get their hands in there and build side channels, add vegetation and cover, and watch how the water flows. It's more than just a sand box!" says Peterson.

Bonneville Power Administration is funding the Yankee Fork Rehabilitation Project which will help meet commitments in the 2008/2010 Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion issued by NOAA. Learn more about the project at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/fcrps/thp/yf/index.html.

Reclamation and Ecology to Release Odessa Subarea Special Study Final Environmental Impact Statement

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation and the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) have completed the Odessa Subarea Special Study Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which is being released in anticipation of its formal filing with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Aug. 31.

The study that began in 2005 identifies alternatives to address the declining aquifer and avoid economic losses in the study area by replacing groundwater currently used for irrigation with surface water to lands within the Columbia Basin Project (CBP) by constructing or modifying distribution systems and associated facilities.

The FEIS was prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). It examines the environmental consequences of alternatives designed to deliver surface water to existing groundwater-irrigated lands in that portion of the Odessa Subarea Ground Water Management Area located within CBP boundaries. The alternatives evaluated fall within three categories:

Partial-replacement (replacing approximately 57,000 acres of currently groundwater-irrigated lands)
Full-replacement (replaces approximately 102,600 acres)
Modified partial-replacement (70,000 acres)

Reclamation and Ecology have identified a preferred alternative that would serve lands both north and south of Interstate-90 by enlarging the East Low Canal and developing a distribution system to deliver water from the canal to farmlands. The water supply for the alternative would come from the Columbia River by way of Banks Lake.

“Ecology and Reclamation believe that the modified partial replacement alternative provides the best opportunity to meet our legislative directive to achieve meaningful resolution of the declining aquifer problem,” Director of the Washington Office of the Columbia River Derek Sandison said. “This alternative maximizes use of existing infrastructure and minimizes overall project costs.”

“This is an important milestone in the Odessa Subarea Special Study,” Columbia-Cascades Area Manager Jerry Kelso said. “Reclamation looks forward in continuing its partnership with Ecology and moving forward to find solutions to these complex water resource issues.”

The NEPA process concludes with a Record of Decision (ROD) which may be issued by Reclamation 30 days after the Final EIS is published in the Federal Register. The ROD documents Reclamation’s decision on the proposed action and describes the rationale used in making the decision.

Copies of the document have been mailed to those who have requested one, as well as area Tribes and appropriate local, state, and federal agencies. In addition, copies are available at Reclamation and Ecology offices. Individual copies of the report may be obtained by calling (509) 575-5848, ext. 203, or simply by going online at: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/eis/odessa/index.html.

Yakima Project Flip-Flop Operation to Begin

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation will begin the annual flip-flop operation in the Yakima Basin by gradually reducing flows out of Cle Elum Reservoir in the Upper Yakima River Basin and increasing flows from Rimrock Reservoir in the Tieton and Naches River Basins beginning the week of August 27.

The purpose of the flip-flop operation is to maintain relatively low flows in the spring Chinook salmon spawning areas in the Upper Yakima, Cle Elum, and Bumping rivers.

"These lower river flows will be maintained during the winter and successfully keep the egg nests covered," Yakima Project River Operations Supervisor Chuck Garner said. "Operating the system this way also helps to reduce impacts on irrigation water supply by keeping reservoirs as full as possible for the next season."

This process also involves diverting water on September 6 down the Kittitas Reclamation District's Spillway 1146 into the Yakima River near Thorp, Wash.

Reclamation will install buoys around the area where Spillway 1146 water enters the Yakima River where they will remain until about October 20. For safety reasons, recreationists are advised to portage around this area and stay out of the turbulent flows.

Beginning around August 28, flows out of Cle Elum Reservoir of about 3,000 cubic-feet-per-second will gradually decrease to about 200 cfs by about September 15. Flows from Rimrock Reservoir are expected to increase to over 2,000 cfs by mid-September and could possibly reach 2,500 cfs depending on irrigation demands and weather conditions.

The flip-flop process also includes increasing flows out of Kachess Reservoir, while decreasing flows out of Keechelus and Bumping Reservoirs.

Streamflow information can be obtained by calling (509) 575-5854 or viewed online at: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima/index.html

Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center Winds Down Summer Schedule

HUNGRY HORSE, Mont. - The Bureau of Reclamation will be winding down its visitor program with adjusted schedules as the summer season comes to a close at the Hungry Horse Dam Visitor Center located off Highway 2 in Hungry Horse, Mont.

The visitor center will be open daily through August 26 from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. After August 26, it will only be open for the Labor Day weekend during the same hours. Guided tours on the top of the dam will be available when the visitor center is open.

Parking is not permitted on top of the dam, but only in designated areas. For additional information call (406) 387-5241.

Hungry Horse Dam is 564 feet tall and was completed in 1953. It is located on the south fork of the Flathead River about 20 miles northeast of Kalispell, Montana.

Reclamation Hosting Annual C.A.S.T. for Kids Event at Black Canyon Dam as Part of ‘Let’s Move Outside’

Children with a broad range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a good time as they join enthusiastic volunteers at the "Catch a Special Thrill" (C.A.S.T.) for Kids event scheduled for Saturday, August 18, at Black Canyon Park located on East Black Canyon Highway, northeast of Emmett, Idaho.

C.A.S.T. for Kids offers children with disabilities and terminal illnesses an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing and boating. The Black Canyon C.A.S.T. event is also part of First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move Outside" initiative. The First Lady's goal is to solve the problem of childhood obesity by encouraging children to increase physical activity on America's public lands and waterways, and eating healthier.

Deputy Commissioner for Operations, David Murillo, will be at the event to support the children and thank the volunteers and sponsors for their tireless efforts.

"C.A.S.T. for Kids is a wonderful event for these children to enjoy a special day just for them. The kids and their families can experience the excitement of the outdoors by fishing from a boat," said Erika Lopez, Public Involvement Specialist for the Bureau of Reclamation. "This is truly a unique event that creates memories for a lifetime."

The children invited range in age from 7-16 years old and have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, and a hat. The morning fishing events will be followed by a barbecue lunch provided by the local Gem Lions Club. The Gem County Sheriff's Department will provide emergency services for the event.

Partners for this event include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation, Idaho BASS Club, Gem County Lions Club, Bucks Insurance, and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The State Bass Anglers societies work under the large umbrella of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. Volunteers from the Idaho BASS Club, the Intermountain Jet Boat Association, and other local fishermen will provide fishing boats and their expertise.

For more information about First Lady Obama's initiative, please visit http://www.letsmove.gov/about.

For more information about the August 18th event, contact Erika Lopez, Snake River Area Office at (208) 383-2254. In the event of rain, the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled. To find out more about the C.A.S.T. for Kids event Region-wide, contact Shari Kohlbecker, Regional Coordinator at (208) 378-5050.

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.

Reclamation Awards $4 Million Contract to Upgrade Transmission Line Relay System at Grand Coulee Dam

GRAND COULEE, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $4 Million design and construction contract to Burke Electric, Belleview, Wash., to replace a 30-year-old relay system that protects and monitors high voltage power lines linked to Grand Coulee Dam's generators and switchyards.

The Bonneville Power Administration is funding the project which includes installing a new relay system for seven transmission lines between the 500-kV and 230-kV switchyards and Grand Coulee Dam's Third Powerplant. Work also includes furnishing and installing several miles of fiber optic cable for relay communications between the switchyards and power plants.

"Upgrading these transmission lines is essential to improving our infrastructure at Grand Coulee Dam and sustaining a steady supply of hydroelectricity throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond," Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor said today. "This investment to modernize one of the nation's key renewable energy facilities will also bring jobs and an infusion of new dollars for the local economy."

Construction will begin this fall and will be completed by April 30, 2014.

Grand Coulee Dam, completed in 1941, it is a multi-purpose facility and a key feature of Reclamation's Columbia Basin Project. Power facilities at Grand Coulee Dam include 33 generators in three power plants, a pumping plant and three switchyards.

The rated electrical capacity at dam is 6,809,000 kilowatts: making it one of the largest hydropower producers in the North America. It also provides water to about 600,000 acres in the Columbia Basin Project.

Photo Caption: "A new relay system for high voltage trasmmission lines runing between the 230-kV and 500-kV switchyard will be completely installed April 2014."

Hyatt Lake Resort Concession Closes in Oregon

ASHLAND, Ore. - The concession contract between the Bureau of Reclamation and Campers Cove Resort Inc., for the operation of Hyatt Lake Resort will expire September 1 and will not be renewed. The resort is located at Hyatt Lake about 14 miles east of Ashland, Ore.

The removal of the resort has been reviewed over the past year by Reclamation and it was determined that its removal will result in a cost savings to taxpayers by eliminating administrative and oversight costs, resolve federal trespass issues, and will not have a negative impact on recreation since similar recreation facilities are available nearby.

The former concession area encompassed about 3 acres of Reclamation land which will remain open for day use activities such as parking, snowmobiling and shoreline fishing. People will also have access to three nearby boat ramps operated by Bureau of Land Management.

The lake is impounded by Hyatt Dam which was constructed in 1923 by the Talent Irrigation District for water storage.

For more information about the Hyatt Lake Resort closure, contact the Bureau of Reclamation at (541) 389-6541.

C.A.S.T. For Kids Scheduled at Potholes State Park

Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a good time as they join enthusiastic volunteers during the Columbia Basin Project's C.A.S.T. for Kids event on Saturday at Potholes Reservoir 15 miles south of Moses Lake, Wash.

The event is run in coordination with the Let's Move Outside initiative introduced by First Lady Michele Obama to help solve the problem of childhood obesity by encouraging children to be more active in outdoor activities on America's public lands and waters.

Participants and volunteers will gather at Potholes State Park located off State Route 262. Washington State Parks manages the campground which offers easy access to Potholes Reservoir.

"This may be the first fishing experience for some of these kids," Margaret Schoneman, of Reclamation's Ephrata Field Office, said. "This is a great opportunity for us to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime."

The children range in age from 7-16 and have a variety of physical or developmental disabilities and, in some cases, a terminal illness. "Each participant will receive fishing gear, tee shirt, and a hat," Schoneman said.

Local Potholes Bass Club members and the Columbia Basin Walleye Club will be on hand with fishing boats and years of professional experience to assist novice anglers. The morning fishing events will be followed by a picnic lunch prepared by the Culinary Arts Class of the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center.

C.A.S.T., which stands for "Catch a Special Thrill," offers children with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing at the reservoir.

Partners include: Bureau of Reclamation, C.A.S.T. For Kids Foundation, Columbia Basin Walleye Club, Potholes Bass Club, Washington BASS Club, Columbia Basin Job Corps Center, Washington State Parks, Washington State Fish and Wildlife, and the Shriners Hospital for Children. Donations for the event were provided by local businesses including: Coulee Playland Resort in Electric City, Tri State Outfitters in Moses Lake, Cascade Marina, Mar Don Resort, O'Sullivan Sportsman Resort, Othello Auto Parts, Sporty's Steakhouse, Loudon Ortho Sports and Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Medical support this year is provided by Fire District No. 12 from Royal Slope, Wash.

For more information, contact Schoneman at Reclamation's Ephrata Field Office at (509) 754-0211. In the event of rain, the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled. For more information about the CAST for Kids events Region-wide, contact Shari Kohlbecker, Reginal Coordinator, at (208) 378-5050.

$1.6 Million Contract Awarded for a New Laser Light Show at Grand Coulee Dam

GRAND COULEE, Wash. - Grand Coulee Dam's unique visitor's experience is about to get a major overhaul with a $1.6 million contract.

The contract was awarded by the Bureau of Reclamation to LumaLaser of Eugene, Ore., with funding from the Bonneville Power Administration. The money will be used to improve the overall show including replacement of the outdated laser light show and an upgrade of all equipment associated with the show, including its sound system. The modernized system will consume less electricity - realizing an energy savings of more than 75 percent.

LumaLaser will reach out to stakeholders and collect their input for the new script. The goal is to create a more comprehensive story about Grand Coulee Dam, including its influence on people, local communities and the nation's energy needs. The project begins late summer and should be in place for next year's summer season.

"The laser light show is a popular way to tell the story of Grand Coulee Dam and the Columbia Basin Project," Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor said. "We want to continue to share the rich culture and history of the area with the thousands of people who visit Grand Coulee Dam each year. The new laser light show will be a dynamic and energy efficient way to engage visitors and infuse tourism dollars into the local community."

Grand Coulee Dam is known worldwide as an engineering marvel that harnesses the strength of the mighty Columbia River to provide clean energy throughout the Pacific Northwest and water to thousands of irrigated acres, making it a national treasure and a symbol of American pride and ingenuity.

The current laser light show has been in operation every summer since 1989. Since that time, the program has suffered many technical difficulties and maintenance problems.

Grand Coulee Dam is located on the Columbia River in north central Washington. It was completed in 1941 and today serves as a multipurpose facility providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power production, flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife.

C.A.S.T. Event Reels in Fun at Prineville Reservoir

My first stop was Ray’s Food place where I encountered the warm smiles from the friendly bakery staff to pick up donuts for our early volunteers, then off to Starbucks where again I experienced a kindhearted greeting while picking up some of the best coffee this side of the Rockies. To add to my experiences, while driving through town I noticed several boaters lined the street in front of “The Brother’s Diner,” where they were no doubt enjoying a hearty breakfast from one of our main sponsors prior to heading out to the Catch a Special Thrill (C.A.S.T.) event. What a heartwarming experience it is to be a C.A.S.T. coordinator and witness firsthand the spirit of community support in full swing.

It was one of those perfect days in the high desert of Central Oregon where the morning air was crisp and clean as you felt the warmth of the early morning sun cresting over mountains that surround Prineville Reservoir. You could tell there was excitement in the air and that this day was going to be anything, but normal. Today, scores of volunteers were preparing for the event in anticipation of capturing a special moment with one of our 35 guests signed up for this year’s C.A.S.T. for kid’s event.

The impact of the event is significant and long lasting. C.A.S.T. is one of those rare organizations that demonstrate its leadership role in building inclusive communities by adapting programs, practices, and policies to promote the participation of children with disabilities. It provides educational opportunities to learn about the natural resources available to them and the proper stewardship of these resources. This is all made possible through the cooperation of government agencies, local sponsors, and interest groups that create a rare and positive experience for our youth and their families. About 25 kids attended this year’s event and were happily greeted by some 53 enthusiastic volunteers.

Along with plaques and prizes given out to all the participants, recognition awards were also given out by Scott Boelman, the manager of the Bend Field Office and Brenda DeGree the vice- president of the Central Oregon Bass Club to all our sponsors for their unconditional support of 15 years this event has been held at Prineville Reservoir, Oregon State Parks.

This year’s event was without a doubt a huge success, from the kid’s big eyes and wide smiles as the boats pulled out of the lake with bags of fish, to a well tamed appetite from the BBQ. It is truly an honor to participate in the C.A.S.T. program, creating memories for our honored guests and families.

Sponsors: Kiwanis Club, Central Oregon Bass Club, Ray’s Food Place, Grocery Outlet, Tom & Charlie’s Diner, The Dawg House, The Apple Peddler, Crook County Search & Rescue, Crook County Sheriff Marine Division, Starbucks, Oregon State Parks (Prineville Reservoir), National Fish Carvers Guild, Pepsi Cola, Thriftway, Fred Myers, Wholesale Sports, and Eberhard’s Dairy.

By Dale Barrett, Field Office Assistant, Bend Field Office

C.A.S.T. for Kids Event Set at Lake Walcott State Park

RUPERT, Idaho – Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to enjoy a day of fishing as they join enthusiastic volunteers during the annual C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing event on July 21 at Lake Walcott State Park near Rupert, Idaho. C.A.S.T. stands for Catch a Special Thrill.

"For some kids, this is their first experience fishing," said local coordinator Sarah Wageman of the Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Snake Field Office. "For the volunteers, it's a great opportunity to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime."

The event is run in coordination with the Let’s Move Outside initiative introduced by First Lady Michele Obama to help solve the problem of childhood obesity by encouraging children to be more active in outdoor activities on America’s public lands and waters.

The participants range in age from 7-16 years old and have a variety of physical and/or developmental disabilities and, in some cases, a terminal illness. Each participant will receive fishing gear, a tee shirt, and a hat.

Local volunteers will provide fishing boats and expertise to assist novice anglers. The morning fishing event will be followed by a barbecue lunch hosted by the Rupert Elks Club 2106. Partners include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation, Rupert Elks Club 2106, Idaho State Parks, and Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The Minidoka County Sheriff Department, United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and Emergency Response Ambulance will be assisting by providing emergency services for the event. Lake Walcott State Park is located 11 miles northeast of Rupert off State Highway 24.

For more background information about the program, contact Shari Kohlbecker at Bureau of Reclamation, Suite 100, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise ID 83706-1234, or (208) 378-5050. For information about the July 21 event, contact Sarah Wageman, Upper Snake Field Office, (208) 678-0461, Ext. 48. In the event of rain the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled.

Banks Lake Park Closed As Firefighting Efforts Go On

GRAND COULEE, Wash - The Bureau of Reclamation has closed Banks Lake Park while Bureau of Land Management firefighters use the location as a staging area as they work to suppress a fire consuming nearly 300 acres. Banks Lake Park is located above North Dam near State Highway 155. BLM officials reported today that the fire is about 50 percent contained in the Barker Canyon area and that there is no threat to structures. The fire was first reported on July 10 around 11 am and is expected to be fully contained by Friday.

Reclamation is presently assisting in the effort by ferrying firefighters and equipment across Banks Lake to the impact area and coordinating with local officials in notifying the public.

The North Dam Park recreation area, located directly below North Dam, is open to the public as well as a pedestrian roadway across the top of the dam.

BLM and Reclamation officials urge people to avoid Banks Lake Park and comply with emergency and law enforcement authorities

C.A.S.T. for Kids Event Scheduled in Prineville

Children with a wide range of disabilities will have the opportunity to reel in a whopper of a good time as they join enthusiastic volunteers during the fifthteenth annual C.A.S.T. for Kids fishing event at Prineville Reservoir State Park near Prineville, Oregon, on Sunday, July 8. C.A.S.T. stands for "Catch a Special Thrill."

"For some kids, this is their first experience fishing," said local coordinator Dale Barrett of the Bureau of Reclamation's Bend Field Office. "For the volunteers, it's a great opportunity to be part of a special experience that these children will remember for a lifetime." "The participants range in age from 6-19 years old and have a variety of physical and/or developmental disabilities and, in some cases, a terminal illness. "Each participant will receive fishing gear, a t-shirt, and a hat," Barrett said. There are still a few available openings for qualified applicants.

Volunteers from the Central Oregon BASS Club will provide fishing boats and expertise to assist novice anglers. The state bass anglers societies work under the umbrella of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. The morning fishing events will be followed by a barbecue lunch donated by Brothers' Family Diner, The Dawg House, Grocery Outlet's of Prineville, Eberhard's Dairy of Redmond, and hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Prineville. The Crook County Sheriff's Office and Search and Rescue units will be assisting with parking, traffic control and marine patrol.

Since there is no local budget, donors in the community are critical to the ongoing success of this annual event. In addition to the one's mentioned above, Starbucks in Prineville will once again donate coffee for the early morning volunteers and Ray's Food Place in Prineville will be donating donuts. Pepsi products for the event will be donated by the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Bend. Fishing tackle and night crawlers are being donated by Wholesale Sports of Bend. New donors and volunteers are needed and always welcome.

Partners include: C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, Bureau of Reclamation, Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department, Central Oregon Bass Club, Kiwanis Club of Prineville, and Crook County Sheriff's Office.

For more information contact Dale Barrett at (541) 389-6541, Ext 231. In the rare event of rain, the C.A.S.T. event will be canceled.

For more background information about the program, contact regional coordinator, Shari Kohlbecker at the Bureau of Reclamation Regional Office, Suite 100, 1150 North Curtis Road, Boise ID 83706-1234, or (208) 378-5050 or visit the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation official website at www.castforkids.org.

Yakima Basin Water Supply – July Forecast Released

YAKIMA, Wash - The Bureau of Reclamation's July 2012, Total Water Supply Available (TWSA) forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates there will be a full water supply for both senior and junior water rights.

"Water managers and fisheries can expect above normal runoff this season thanks to above average snowpack and reservoir storage," said Chuck Garner, supervisory hydrologist.

The July TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of July 1, along with estimates of future precipitation and river flows. Weather conditions will determine streamflows, reservoir storage, and the water supply available.

"Weather changes which are not 100 percent predictable can influence both streamflow levels and seasonal carry-over storage which is why water conservation should always be a consideration in the Yakima Basin," Garner said.

For more information visit our website at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima