Aspinall EIS - Scoping Report May 2007

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Copies of the Flow Recommendations are available on the internet at http://www.r6.fws.gov/crrip/doc/GunnCoflowrec.pd f . Public Scoping Activities 2. Several methods were used to inform the public and solicit comments on preparation of the EIS. These methods included publication of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register, press releases, preparation and m ailings of information packets, meetings with interested parties, scoping announcements, and public scoping meetings. The formal scoping period began on January 21, 2004 with the publication of a Notice of Intent in the Federal Register. The Notice descr ibed Reclamation ’ s intent to prepare an EIS, announced public meeting dates, and solicited public comments. The original co mment period was extended to April 15, 2004. Reclamation distributed an announcement of the scoping meetings along with background information to an initial EIS mailing list of approximately 170 individuals, organizations, agencies , and Tribal governments . The announcement requested written comments as well as attendance at the scoping meetings. News releases and personal contacts were also used to notify people of the scoping meetings. Public scoping meetings were held February 24, 25, and 26 in Gunnison, Delta, and Grand Junction, respectively. Representatives from federal, state, and local agencies attended the meetings, as wel l as members of the public. At the meetings, Reclamation presented background information and listened to public comment and questions. Forms were also provided for written comments. At the meetings, Reclamation offered to meet individually with groups or organizations to discuss the EIS process. Additional meetings were held with the Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Area Power Administration, Western Resource Advocates, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado River Water Conservancy District, Upp er Gunnison Water Conservation District, and the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association. A website has been developed to provide updated information on the EIS process ( www. usbr .gov/uc/wcao/ ) and an e - mail address to obtain information or offer comments on the EIS has been established ( aspinalleis@uc.usbr.gov ). General Scoping Results 3. Notes and transcripts from the scoping meetings are available for r eview at Reclamation’s office in Grand Junction. In addition , written input was received from approximately 40 agencies, individuals, and organizations and is also available for review. 6