OWYHEE, NV – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, invites your comments regarding the scope of the Owyhee River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Study. The Corps has also scheduled a public meeting to provide information and accept comments on the study.
The Corps, in partnership with the non-federal sponsor, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe, is developing a plan to restore aquatic and riparian habitats on the Owyhee River and prepare a Feasibility Report/Environmental Assessment.
Scoping comments will be accepted from Aug. 11 until Sept. 11. The Corps is particularly interested in input regarding alternatives and environmental effects that should be considered. Scoping comments will be used to 1) identify issues to address, 2) develop alternatives, and 3) identify potential environmental effects of possible changes to the watershed.
A public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 11 at the Council Chambers at 1036 Idaho State Highway 51, Owhyee, NV 89832.The meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Meeting Information (Access Code): 1992 07 4851
Connect by Phone (US Toll Free): +1-844-800-2712
This meeting is scheduled to provide information and allow members of the public to submit comments regarding the scope of the feasibility study.
Those who do not attend the public meeting can still submit comments through Sept. 11. Electronic comments may filed at https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/EnvironmentalComplianceComment/ or emailed to NEPANWW@usace.army.mil, inserting “OwyheeRiver 206” in the subject line. You may also mail comments to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Walla Walla District, ATTN: PPL-C OwyheeRiver 206
201 North 3rd Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362-1876
The Owyhee River Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Study will evaluate the current conditions of the Owyhee River in terms of water quality, aquatic habitat, and stream channel condition. Based on this assessment, the study will determine potential restoration actions to improve in-stream habitat conditions. The focus of the study will be on developing ecosystem improvements to benefit redband trout and sage-grouse and other native species, and protecting natural and cultural resources of significance to the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe. Habitat improvements for redband trout and sage-grouse at all life stages will contribute to stronger returns, benefitting the entire Owyhee River basin. The project would enhance sustainability, restore floodplain form, function and processes, and benefit wildlife populations in the Pacific Northwest.
The Corps is committed to working with our non-federal sponsor, the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe, and the larger community to restore significant ecosystem function, structure, and dynamic processes that have become degraded in Owyhee River. Alternatives considered might include channel naturalization, riparian plantings and restoration, creating gravel beds, placing woody debris, and improving off-channel habitat.
For more information visit https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental-Compliance/. If you have any questions, please contact the Environmental Coordinator at 509-527-7262.