Public invited to participate in analysis of Leavitt Reservoir expansion project
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SHELL, Wyo. – As part of its commitment to supporting sustainable, working public lands for the American people, the Bureau of Land Management Cody Field Office is requesting public input over the next 45 days on a proposed reservoir expansion near Shell.
In July 2015, the BLM received a proposal from the Wyoming Water Development Commission to expand Leavitt Reservoir. The proposed expansion could support late season irrigation, reduce flooding in the area of Shell and increase recreation opportunities for visitors.
As stewards, the BLM manages public lands for the benefit of current and future generations, and ranching and recreation are traditional uses that continue to serve local communities throughout the West.
In order to begin the environmental analysis, the BLM is seeking input from the public to provide information or help identify potential issues or impacts that may result from expanding the reservoir.
Leavitt Reservoir currently has a surface area of approximately 36 acres and a capacity of 643 acre-feet of water. The proposed project would expand the reservoir to 194 acres with a capacity of 6,604 acre-feet.
The BLM published a notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement in the Federal Register on Sept. 29, 2017, which began a 45-day public scoping period.
To provide an opportunity to discuss the project, the BLM will host a public meeting during this comment period. The meeting date, time and location will be announced through local news media and on the BLM project website and social media sites.
Project information is available at: http://bit.ly/Leavitt_Reservoir_EIS_2bcgpgW.
Written comments may be submitted at the meeting, emailed to blm_wy_cody_comments@blm.gov (please use “Leavitt Reservoir EIS” in the subject line) or submitted to the Cody Field Office, 1002 Blackburn Street, Cody, WY 82414, by November 13, 2017.
For more information, contact the Cody Field Office through Chad Krause at 307-578-5900 or blm_wy_cody_comments@blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.