Under the guidance of the Trinity River Restoration Program, the Bureaus of Reclamation and Land Management (the Federal lead agencies), and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) (the State lead agency), announce availability of a Notice of Preparation (NOP) for an Environmental Assessment and Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the "Hocker Flat Rehabilitation Site: Trinity River Mile 78 to 79.1." The EA/EIR is being prepared to meet California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act requirements.

The Hocker Flat project is located on the Trinity River, immediately downstream from Junction City and below the confluence of Canyon Creek. This bank rehabilitation project is the first of many that will mechanically reshape the Trinity River channel, allow for a more naturally functioning river and floodplain, and provide for increased fish habitat as described in the December 19, 2000, Record of Decision for the Trinity River Mainstem Fishery Restoration Environmental Impact Statement. Actions which may be conducted in areas of the project include removal of vegetation, earthwork in the Trinity River floodplain, material transportation and disposal, and revegetation.

A 30-day public scoping period will be held May 19 to June 21, 2004, to solicit comments to assist the lead agencies in identifying the range of actions, alternatives, mitigation measures, and significant effects to be analyzed in the EA/EIR. A public scoping meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. at the Junction City Community Hall, 71 Dutch Creek Road (just south of Hwy 299), Junction City. Project information will be presented and comments on the scope of the EA/EIR will be accepted.

For further information or to receive a copy of the NOP, contact Mr. Brandt Gutermuth, Bureau of Reclamation, at 530-623-1806, or Mr. Aric Lester, DWR, at 530-529-7365. Please send comments to: Mr. Brandt Gutermuth, c/o Trinity River Restoration Program, P.O. Box 1300, Weaverville, CA 96093, or e-mail bgutermuth@mp.usbr.gov.