[env-trinity] Coarse sediment project

[Loren Everest]

Dear Interested Party

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is proposing to place about 5,100 cubic
yards of coarse sediment in a 1,200-foot reach of the Trinity River near
the Trinity River Fish Hatchery.  Forest Service personnel are preparing to
conduct National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis of the proposed
project within the Trinity River watershed about two miles north of the
community of Lewiston. The legal location is: Township 33 North, Range 8
West, Section 8.

YOUR INVOLVEMENT
The purpose of this letter is to invite you to participate in the NEPA
analysis by providing your comments about this proposal during what is
referred to as the public scoping process.  If you have information you
feel the Forest Service may not be aware of, or feel you have issues
(points of dispute, debate, or disagreement) regarding potential effects of
this proposed action, please send those issues in writing to project leader
Loren Everest, Trinity River Management Unit, P.O. Box 1190, Weaverville,
CA 96093 (530) 623-1754 on or before February 25, 2005.

PROPOSED ACTION
The Forest Service proposes to place about 5,100 cubic yards of coarse
sediment in a 1,200-foot reach of the Trinity River near the Trinity River
Fish Hatchery during the summer of 2005 or 2006. A 20-foot strip of willows
and alders will be removed along the west bank of the river to allow for
additional channel width.

PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION
The purpose of this project is to improve geomorphic function of the
Trinity River.  High river releases since 1993 have caused channel
degradation to a depth of about 2 feet. This project proposes to replace
lost channel bed material in a manner that maintains or increases the
quality of fish habitat.  The Bureau of Reclamation, through the Trinity
River Restoration Program, has contracted with Dr. Greg Pasternack of UC
Davis to provide designs for the project. The proposed design can be viewed
at http://shira.lawr.ucdavis.edu/trinity_design_06.htm.

DECISION TO BE MADE
The decision to be made is whether to implement the project as proposed, to
implement a modified project analyzed under an alternative that addresses
significant issues and meets the purpose and need statement, or take no
action at this time.


JOYCE ANDERSEN
District Ranger
Weaverville Ranger District