15-020 Corps seeks public comments for Dworshak Reservoir Master Plan update

Published March 9, 2015

AHSAHKA, Idaho  – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District (Corps) invites public comments on the draft Dworshak Reservoir Master Plan, related Environmental Assessment (EA) and draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). Comments are due no later than April 9.

A master plan is the strategic land-use management document that guides the comprehensive management and development of all recreational, natural and cultural resources of a Corps-managed water resource project. Public scoping for updating the Dworshak Reservoir Master Plan was held during the summer of 2014. Public comments received during that process were considered during development of the draft plan.

The Corps prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to address potential effects associated with the draft MP. As part of National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance, the Corps is inviting public comment on the draft Master Plan, EA and draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI). The Corps is required to consider all comments received.

The public comment period for the draft plan, EA, and draft FONSI is March 9 through April 9, 2015. The draft Master Plan, associated EA and draft FONSI are available for review under “Related Documents” on the right side of the master plan webpage www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Projects/DworshakMasterPlan.aspx.  

Comments may be submitted via email at DworshakMasterPlan@usace.army.mil. To submit written comments via the U.S. Postal Service, mail them to:


U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Walla Walla District
ATTN: Dworshak Master Plan  
 201 N. 3rd Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362  

 

The original master plan for Dworshak was written in 1970. Since then, changes to site conditions and operations have resulted in a need to update management strategies.

In 2011, the Corps completed the Dworshak Public Use Plan (PUP) as a way to address changed conditions and new recreation demands. Updating the Dworshak Reservoir master plan will build on work accomplished during development of the PUP. The planning team utilized previous efforts of working groups and interested parties, as well as the public input and collaboration used to develop the PUP. Refinement of resource objectives along additional analysis required by Corps policy will result in a comprehensive, conceptual level planning document to guide future use and development at Dworshak Reservoir. Finalization of the MP will also bring Dworshak Reservoir into compliance with current Corps policy and facilitate future actions to support balanced management of Project resources.

 

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Contact
Public Affairs Office
509-527-7020
cenww-pa@usace.army.mil

Release no. 15-020