Draft EIS_072312.pdf - Middle Fork American River Project ...

20120723-4002 FERC PDF (Unofficial) 07/23/2012
Forest Service specifies consequences if these elevations are not achieved. Because
neither PCWA nor the Forest Service have identified any issues associated with low
reservoir levels during the summer, implementing this measure could require agency
consultation and PCWA could be responsible for actions before a project-related effect
has even been identified. Further, requiring PCWA-funded actions listed in the condition
such as patrols and shoreline protection from motorized uses would not meet the intended
purpose of the condition explained in the Forest Service rationale for the condition which
is to support mid-summer reservoir-based recreation.
Recreation Management Programs
PCWA proposes to implement the following recreation management programs as
part of its proposed Recreation Plan:
• Monitor and report on recreation use every 6 years, which is consistent with
FERC Form 80 reporting using site occupancy data, vehicle counts, and selfregistration
data, as applicable. Provide use estimates.
• Incorporate specific actions included in the Recreation Plan when
implementing recreation measures to avoid and protect resources.
• Disseminate real-time and most recent 14 days flow information for 10 gages
via the internet (PCWA’s website or California Data Exchange Center).
Include notification of reservoir spill and pulse flow events, a matrix showing
travel time for pulse flows at key locations, and links to other pertinent
websites.
• Disseminate the most recent 6 months of weekly reservoir water surface
elevation information at French Meadows and Hell Hole reservoirs via
PCWA’s website. Include representative photographs of reservoirs at various
water surface elevations and whether the boat ramps are functioning at their
current elevations. This element would be discontinued if the boat ramps are
extended.
• Develop a brochure showing recreation facilities, roads, and trails available in
the vicinity of the project, and provide the brochure (electronic and hard
copies) to three Forest Service offices, Auburn and Georgetown Chambers of
Commerce, and California Welcome Center in Auburn.
• Stock fish in Hell Hole and French Meadows reservoirs equivalent to 50
percent of California Fish and Game’s annual management target or 50 percent
of the historical average (2001 to 2009). PCWA would either acquire and
stock fish from private hatcheries or reimburse California Fish and Game for
its proportionate share of the stocking cost. Annual consultation meetings
would include discussions of stocking targets, species, fish acquisition, and
previous year accomplishment reporting.
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