[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 216 (Tuesday, November 7, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 66763-66764]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-28454]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Bureau of Reclamation


Solano Project--Lake Berryessa; Napa, California

AGENCY: Bureau of Reclamation, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 
1969, as amended, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is initiating 
a formal Visitor Services Planning effort for the Lake Berryessa 
Recreation Area. Reclamation intends to prepare an environmental impact 
statement (EIS) for implementing the provisions of the plan. The 
purpose of the Visitor Services Plan is to determine the type and level 
of commercial facilities and services that are necessary and 
appropriate for future long term operations. The current concession 
contracts expire in 2009 and the Visitor Services Plan will be used as 
a basis for future concession prospectuses.

DATES: Formal public scoping meetings are scheduled for May 2001. 
Notice of the specific dates and locations of the meetings will appear 
at future date.

ADDRESSES: Mail comments on the existing facilities, possible issues 
and alternatives and requests to participate in public scoping meetings 
to Mr. Bruce Wadlington at the address below. You may also submit 
requests and comments by sending electronic mail (e-mail) to: 
[email protected].

[[Page 66764]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Bruce Wadlington, Mid-Pacific 
Regional Concessions Manager, Central California Area Office, Bureau of 
Reclamation, 7794 Folsom Dam Road, Folsom, CA 95630; telephone: Folsom 
(916) 989-7175, Berryessa (707) 966-2111 ext. 108 (TDD (916) 989-7285).

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 development of the 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 (Public Law 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 (7) concessionaires authorized by 
Reclamation to provide commercial support services to visitors to Lake 
Berryessa. These concession contracts have been in effect since the 
late 1950's. All the contracts will expire by 2009. Reclamation also 
administers two day-use areas and a public launching facility, as well 
as numerous roadside turnouts and trails. The eastside 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

    The Visitor Services Plan will identify and develop the 
requirements, terms, and conditions for new competitive concession 
contracts that will be developed by the Federal Government. Some of the 
issues to be addressed in the plan include day-use needs, long-term and 
short-term recreational vehicle and trailer sites, campground 
development, marina development, consolidation or expansion of 
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, 
i.e., fishing (individual and tournament), swimming, water skiing, etc.

Public Involvement and Planning Schedule

    The time frame for completion of this plan is 18 to 24 months. 
Formal Public Scoping meetings are scheduled to be held in May 2001. 
The draft EIS is expected to be completed by November 2001. The final 
EIS is scheduled to be released in March 2002.
    Anyone interested in more information concerning the plan, or who 
has an interest in the future development of Lake Berryessa as related 
to this planning effort or has suggestions as to significant 
environmental issues, should contact Mr. Bruce Wadlington as provided 
above. A web site has been established to provide additional 
information regarding plan progress and public comment at: http://www.mp.usbr.gov/berryessa.

    Dated: October 20, 2000.
Frank Michny,
Regional Environmental Officer.
[FR Doc. 00-28454 Filed 11-06-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-MN-M