DWR Hosts ''No Crop Idling Alternative'' Public Workshop

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 2006--The Department of Water Resources (DWR) will host a February 7, 2006, public workshop on the "No Crop Idling Alternative," which is being considered as part of the environmental review for the Environmental Water Account (EWA).

The "No Crop Idling Alternative" will analyze the effects of other measures other than crop idling or land retirement to further protect fisheries.

The EWA is part of the long-term comprehensive plan adopted in the CALFED Bay-Delta Program Record of Decision (ROD). CALFED agencies identified a need in the ROD for fisheries protection measures above and beyond existing regulatory measures to speed the recovery of at-risk Delta species. Establishment of the EWA was a key component of this additional protection.

Agencies that participate in the EWA are DWR (lead state agency), Department of Fish and Game (responsible agency and trustee agency), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (co-lead federal agency), National Marine Fisheries Service (cooperating agency), and United States Bureau of Reclamation (co-lead federal agency).

The EIS/EIR for the Short-Term EWA Program addressed the potential use of crop idling as an alternative to other measures being considered for analysis. The Long-Term EIS/EIR will analyze a number of alternatives including the "No Crop Idling Alternative" to meet the objectives of the EWA.

EWA is currently operated under the Short Term EIS/EIR which expires in 2007. The public draft for the Long-Term EIS/EIR document will be available in fall 2006 and final document will be available in fall 2007. Five scoping sessions for the Long-Term EIR/EIS were held in March 2005.

    The public workshop is scheduled for:

    Tuesday, February 7, 2006
    9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
    Bonderson Bldg., Hearing Room A
    901 P Street
    Sacramento, CA 95814

    For more information contact: Dean Reynolds, 916-651-7055

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.