The Bureau of Reclamation, the Federal lead agency, and the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the State lead agency, announce the availability of an Environmental Assessment/Draft Environmental Impact Report (EA/DEIR) for the "Hocker Flat Rehabilitation Site: Trinity River Mile 78 to 79.1" (Project). The joint document is being prepared under guidance of the Trinity River Restoration Program and meets California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act requirements.

The proposed Project is located on the Trinity River, downstream of Junction City and below the Canyon Creek confluence. The purpose of the Project is to promote the alluvial processes necessary for restoration and maintenance of salmonid habitat in the Trinity River, which will be accomplished by re-contouring the bank and floodplain features. The Project is a necessary step towards restoration of the Trinity River's anadromous fishery as identified in the Interior Secretary’s December 19, 2000, Record of Decision for the Trinity River Mainstem Fishery Restoration Environmental Impact Statement.

The EA/DEIR is available for a 45-day public review and comment period. It can be accessed online at: www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/, select "Northern California Area Office" and click on "Trinity River Mechanical Channel Rehabilitation Project EA." The document is available for review at the Trinity River Restoration Program Office, 1313 South Main Street, Weaverville, and the Trinity County Library, 211 North Main Street, Weaverville.

Comments must be received by close of business on Wednesday, October 6, 2004, and should be sent to: Mr. Brandt Gutermuth, Trinity River Restoration Program, P.O. Box 1300, Weaverville, CA 96093, or e-mailed to bgutermuth@mp.usbr.gov. For further information or to request a copy of the EA/DEIR, please contact Mr. Gutermuth at 530-623-1806 or Mr. Aric Lester, DWR, at 530-529-7365.