Public meetings scheduled for updating plans for four C-BT reservoirs

The Bureau of Reclamation and Larimer County will host public scoping meetings and comment period for the Resource Management Plan and Environment Assessment and associated Reservoir Parks Master Plan from August 22-24.

Reclamation, in cooperation with Larimer County Department of Natural Resources, is seeking public input on the revision of the 2007 Resource Management Plan/Environmental Assessment. Reclamation will prepare an updated Environmental Assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, and at the same time will be assisting with the preparation of the Resource Management Plan.

The purpose of the RMP/EA is to balance natural resource protection with recreational opportunities, provide a diversity of recreational experiences, ensure financial stability, and account for future growth and demand. The integrated RMP/EA would replace the 2007 documents and would establish a 10-year plan detailing the management framework for the conservation, protection, and enhancement of the four regional reservoirs and surrounding lands.

“We are pleased to be part of this collaborative effort with Larimer County,” said Reclamation’s Eastern-Colorado Area Manager, Signe Snortland. “This effort provides a much needed investment into our treasured land and recreation areas, making it more accessible and enjoyable to the public.”

Reclamation owns and operates nearly 7,000 acres of land and water across four reservoirs: Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Flatiron Reservoir and Pinewood Reservoir. Under license with Reclamation, Larimer County Department of Natural Resources manages recreational activities and maintains the recreation facilities at these four reservoirs. These four reservoirs are part of the Colorado-Big Thompson water project; water stored in these reservoirs is distributed by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District for municipal, agricultural, and other uses.

The agencies will begin a 45-day public scoping period on Monday, July 25. Public Scoping Meetings will be held from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the following locations where the public is encouraged to participate in identifying issues and new opportunities:

• Monday, August 22, 2016, Horsetooth Area Info Center (located at South Bay), 4200 W. County Rd. 38 E, Fort Collins; Note: Entrance fees to the South Bay of Horsetooth Reservoir Park will be waived for this event.
• Tuesday, August 23, 2016, Bison Info Center, 1800 S. County Rd. 31, Loveland
• Wednesday, August 24, 2016, The Ranch Events Complex, McKee Community Building, 5280 Arena Cir., Loveland.

Written scoping comments will be accepted at the Public Scoping Meetings or can be provided online at http://www.onegreatcountytoplay.com/, by e-mail or regular mail. E-mail should be addressed to the attention of Mr. Patrick McCusker at [email protected]. Regular mail or Fax should be sent to the following address:

Patrick McCusker, Natural Resource Specialist
Bureau of Reclamation
11056 W. County Road 18 E
Loveland, CO 80537

Comments will be accepted throughout the 45-day public comment period until September 12.

To learn more about the federal RMP and NEPA process, please visit Reclamation’s website at www.usbr.gov/gp/ecao. The information provided at the Public Scoping Meetings will also be available at this site.

Concurrent Planning Efforts

Larimer County is conducting a parallel public process for the development of a county-wide Parks Master Plan and The Ranch Events Complex Master Plan. The agencies are coordinating a joint public scoping process to share feedback on the federal RMP and EA, the Reservoir Parks Master Plan, and The Ranch Events Complex Master Plan. The Reservoir Parks Master Plan will identify priority project areas and detailed strategies to accomplish the specified goals. The Ranch Events Complex is creating a fully-integrated Master Plan that outlines facility alternatives, expansion and financial options to support these expansions as needed. For more information about this simultaneous effort and to sign up for project updates, visit www.onegreatcountytoplay.com.

Media inquiries or general questions about Reclamation and the RMP/EA should be directed to Buck Feist at (406) 247-7607 or [email protected], or Sterling Rech at (406) 246-7669 or [email protected]. For the Reservoir Parks Master Plan, please email [email protected]. For The Ranch Events Complex, please email [email protected].