BRC: Lake Meredith NRA Seeks Comments ORV Management Plan & EIS

[Blue Ribbon Coalition]

Date: 06/17/2008

BLUERIBBON COALITION ACTION ALERT!



Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,

Attention Texas recreationists!

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area is seeking comments on an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The National Park Service (NPS) requests your participation in the project planning process to identify potential environmental impacts, issues, concerns, and alternative concepts. The NPS would like to discuss the proposal and gather any thoughts, ideas, or comments that you may have regarding this project.

Lake Meredith was created for the impoundment and diversion of water for Texas panhandle municipalities in the early 1960s. In 1990, Lake Meredith became a national recreation area for the purpose of providing for public outdoor recreation use and to protect the scenic, scientific, cultural, and other values contributing to the public enjoyment of Lake Meredith's lands and waters.

There are two authorized off-road vehicle (ORV) use areas at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area (Recreation Area): Blue Creek and Rosita (also known as Rosita Flats). The two areas were designated as ORV areas in the 1970s by special regulation 36 CFR 7.57. ORV use is authorized from cutbank to cutbank along approximately 275 acres of Blue Creek. ORVs are allowed in the Rosita area below the 3,000 foot elevation.

In 2005, Lake Meredith NRA and other park units were sued for allowing ORV use in areas without a special regulation and for failing to monitor ORV use. In response to the lawsuit, the Recreation Area initiated this planning effort in October of 2007 with internal scoping. The plan, and regulation, if needed, will address ORV use at both Rosita and Blue Creek.

Scoping is the first step to involve the public in the environmental impact analysis process. Scoping includes holding meetings and providing opportunities for the public to comment. The NPS uses your comments to ensure that it is considering all of the possible alternatives for the management of the resource.

The NPS will host three public scoping meetings during the month of July (see schedule below). The meetings will consist of an open house with NPS staff on hand to visit with you, answer questions, and record your input. Attendees may also submit comments on written forms available at the meeting.

Open House Schedule

Tuesday, July 8, 2008 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Sanford-Fritch Middle School Cafeteria
536 Eagle Blvd
Fritch, Texas

Wednesday, July 9, 2008 6:00 pm-8:30 pm
First State Bank
Community Room
500 E. First Street
Dumas, Texas

Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
The Ambassador Hotel
3100 I-40, Exit 68B
Amarillo, Texas

Attendees may also submit comments on written forms available at the meeting. Comments may also be submitted electronically at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/LAMR(select ORV Management Plan and Regulation)

Submit written comments by mail to:
Superintendent,
Lake Meredith NRA
RE: ORV Management Plan
P.O. Box 1460
Fritch, TX 79036

The comment period for scoping will be open until July 28, 2008.

Additional information on meeting locations and times, as well as guidance on submitting comments and all planning documents, can be found in the scoping brochure available at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/LAMR.

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP RECREATION AREAS OPEN, PLEASE GET INVOLVED!

Thanks in advance for your support,
Ric Foster
Public Lands Department Manager
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 107





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