MRERP EIS Individual Scoping Meeting Summary Bismarck, North Dakota August 18, 2009 October 28, 2009

Transcription

1 MRERP EIS Individual Scoping Meeting Summary Bismarck, North Dakota August 18, 2009 October 28, 2009 MEETING OVERVIEW The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) hosted public scoping meetings to obtain feedback and comment on the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan (MRERP) and integrated Environmental Impact Statement. This document summarizes the meeting that was held on Tuesday, August 18, 2009, at the United Tribal Technical College, Multipurpose Building Healing Room, 3315 University Drive, Bismarck, North Dakota. To encourage maximum public participation sessions were held from 3:00 to 5:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. While the structures, formats, and presentations of the two sessions were intended to be identical, the evening session was converted to a round table discussion due to the smaller number of people in attendance. The meeting was attended by a total of 18 people. Some attendees identified themselves as affiliates or members of the following interests and organizations. Interests: Agriculture, water supply, irrigation Organizations: Fort Berthold Fish and Wildlife Division, USFWS, Bureau of Land Management, Western Area Power Administration, media (KFYR TV), and private citizens MEETING PURPOSE The purpose of the meetings was to gather input on key elements of the MRERP and to meet the spirit and intent of the National Environmental Policy Act. This was the first round of meetings in a series of four public scoping sessions that will be held throughout the course of the project. The meetings were designed to foster a dialogue, gain understanding of the public s concerns and visions, and ensure that the public was given the opportunity by the government to be involved in and understand the plan development and environmental review process. MEETING FORMAT The meetings had an open house format, with an initial sign in period followed by a presentation (see Appendix B) on MRERP that included the project background; planning process; purpose, need, and scope; issues; and next steps and schedule. Following the presentation, attendees were asked to visit with project staff and review information stations that addressed project background and geographic scope, planning process and schedule, purpose and need, natural resources and human environment, visioning/future scenario for adults and children, and written and oral comments (see Appendix C). MEETING ADVERTISING The following public notice and advertising methods were used for the scoping meetings (see Appendix D). Legal notice in The Bismarck Tribune 21 days in advance.

2 MRERP EIS Individual Scoping Meeting Summary Bismarck, North Dakota Page 2 News release issued 14 days prior and distributed to local media outlets that included: The Bismarck Tribune, KFYR NBC, and KXMB CBS. E bulletin distributed to local Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC) members 14 days prior. E bulletin distributed to local Cooperative Agency Team (CAT) members 14 days prior. Newspaper article advertising the meeting appeared in the Jamestown Sun on Monday, August 3, METHODS FOR OBTAINING COMMENTS Meeting attendees were provided a project newsletter and comment form (see Appendix A) and asked to provide comments on the project purpose, need, and scope and natural resources and human environment. Participants could submit written comments on comment forms and/or future visioning sheets, and/or comment orally to staff placed at the stations. The methods used to encourage attendee participation included: Public comment forms provided at the sign in table and the public comment table. Project team members documenting oral comments provided by participants visiting the information stations and recording them on paper or on flip charts at the information stations. A station, positioned in a semi private area adjacent to the meeting exhibits, for expressing oral comment. Attendees were offered a business card with the project web page and USACE and USFWS project manager contact information. COMMENT SUMMARY The following is a summary of all attendee feedback and comments gathered at the meeting, categorized according to topic. Purpose and Need: None provided. Scope: Several attendees were concerned with how the needs throughout the basin would be integrated. Natural Resources and Human Environment Natural Resources: None provided. Social: Several attendees wanted to see more recreation options. Hunting, fishing, and recreation on the river are important. Some attendees expressed an interest in getting the public involved and having an understanding of the rivers importance.

3 MRERP EIS Individual Scoping Meeting Summary Bismarck, North Dakota Page 3 Cultural: Several attendees were concerned with how the Tribes needs and values would be integrated into the project. Attendees noted that many ceremonies are associated with the river. For example, the mother earth ceremony is held every year for infants born that year where their moccasins are put in the river. Tribes came up the Missouri River to settle. Economic: Energy production is a major concern. Energy production could be a greater water user if other energy sources decline. OTHER COMMENTS Everyone wants the river to be everything it can be, but they don t understand what it takes to get there. North Dakota is saturated with public meetings, how do we make sure folks know about the project and comment? Conduct the meetings in areas where there are more people. Try to get the message out about this plan and what will happen if we don t get involved with it. Need to get stakeholder groups fleshed out because they re critical to engage in the process. The river is an important resource, but not everyone understands. All the water intakes will be high and dry when next drought occurs if more attention isn t paid to water levels. How will state issued water rights be featured /considered? Several attendees expressed the desire to see more of the plan as it progresses. NEXT STEPS These meetings are just one tool designed to elicit input on the project and plan purpose, need, scope, and key issues. Information obtained from the scoping process will help USACE and USFWS better understand what communities throughout the basin value about the river. The comments received through the public scoping meetings will be considered in the same manner as the other input received during the scoping process. After the end of the comment period on December 1, 2009, all input received by the USACE and USFWS will be reviewed through a process that categorizes and groups comments by their content so that they can be reviewed and incorporated into the planning process where and when appropriate. APPENDICES Appendix A Handouts Appendix B PowerPoint Presentation Appendix C Exhibits

4 MRERP EIS Individual Scoping Meeting Summary Bismarck, North Dakota Page 4 Appendix D Advertising and Media Coverage

5 MRERP EIS Individual Scoping Meeting Summary Bismarck, North Dakota Appendix D Advertising and Media Coverage

6 (Bismarck) U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS NOTICE OF PUBLIC SCOPING The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is initiating a collaborative long-term study authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of The name of this study is the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (MRERP EIS). The result will be a fully integrated plan and environmental impact statement (EIS), prepared following National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and USACE planning guidance. Once completed, the MRERP will result in a policy/programmatic-level plan that will determine and describe high-level priorities and criteria for projects that address mitigation, recovery, and restoration of the Missouri River. The USACE will hold public scoping meetings for the MRERP EIS in ten locations throughout the Missouri River Basin to describe the project and the planning process, and to solicit input on the project scope, purpose and need, issues, and other related matters. Information pertaining to scoping and the overall project can be found on the web at Written comments for scoping will be accepted until December 1, Scoping meetings will be held on: August 18, 2009, United Tribes Technical College, Wellness Center Multipurpose Room, 3315 University Drive, Bismarck, ND There will be two identical sessions each day. The first session will be held in late afternoon from 3-5 pm and an identical session will be held from. During the meetings, representatives of the agencies will give short presentations about the recovery process to inform the public about the project and will find out what the river means to those who live, work, and play on or near the Missouri River. Information stations will be set up for attendees to visit during the sessions. Attendees can visit exhibits and learn more about the timeline, processes, goals, and the draft purpose, need, and scope of the plan. They will have the chance to share their vision of the river s future and provide feedback through comments. Questions and comments regarding the project and EIS should be addressed to: Jennifer Switzer Project Manager U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 601 E. 12 th Street Kansas City, MO Address to Submit Comments: comments@mrerp.org

7 For Immediate Release: August 3, 2009 Contact: Jennifer Switzer U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS NOTICE OF PUBLIC SCOPING MEETINGS U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Set To Kick Off Public Meetings on Massive Planning Effort for the Missouri River. Omaha, NE - The Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan (MRERP) will help define the future of the Missouri River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, wants the public s input on the purpose and need for the plan. As part of developing the plan, the agencies will host a series of open houses to share information about the project and offer opportunities for questions and comments by the public. These meetings will be held in August and September in multiple locations across the Missouri River basin. This planning effort, authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, will identify the actions necessary to mitigate, recover, and restore the Missouri River. The plan, with an integrated environmental impact statement, is a key part of the extensive effort to recover or prevent further declines of native fish and wildlife populations and their habitats, ultimately resulting in restoration of the Missouri River Ecosystem. The planning process will seek to balance restoration actions with diverse social, economic, and cultural values within the basin. So that people can attend when it is most convenient for them, there will be two identical sessions each day. The first session will be held in late afternoon from an identical session will be held from. Meeting Dates, Times, and Locations Location Date Facility Times New Town, ND 8/17/09 - Mon Northern Lights Building 710 East Avenue, New Town, ND 3-5pm and Bismarck, ND 8/ Tues United Tribes Technical College, Wellness Center Multipurpose Room 3315 University Drive, Bismarck, ND Lower Brule, SD 8/19/09 - Wed Golden Buffalo Casino Convention Center 321 Sitting Bull Street, Lower Brule, SD

8 Location Date Facility Times Vermillion, SD 8/20/09 Thurs W.H. Over State Museum 1110 Ratingen St., Vermillion SD During the meetings, agency representatives will give short presentations about the planning process to inform the public about the project. The agencies want to know what the river means to those who live, work, and play on or near the Missouri. Information stations will be set up for attendees to visit during the sessions. Attendees can visit exhibits and learn more about the timeline, processes, goals, and the draft purpose, need, and scope of the plan. They will have the chance to share their vision of the river s future and provide feedback through comments. ### For more information on MRERP and the upcoming meetings, visit the project website at Project fact sheets attached to this release are also available online.

9 MRERP Team kicks off EIS scoping meetings in August MRRIC and CAT participation encouraged The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is requesting public input in developing the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. The agencies are implementing a collaborative long-term study authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA 2007). The name of this study is the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (MRERP). The result will be a fully integrated plan and environmental impact statement (EIS), prepared following National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and USACE planning guidance. The USACE and USFWS have committed to a collaborative process, consulting with basin tribes, federal and state agencies, and Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee (MRRIC). A series of open house scoping meetings will occur this August and September throughout the basin. So the public can attend when it is most convenient for them, there will be two sessions each day. The first session will be held in late afternoon from an identical session will be held from. During the meetings, agency representatives will give a short presentation about the planning process to inform the public about the project. The agencies want to know what the river means to those who live, work, and play on or near the Missouri. Attendees can visit exhibits and learn more about the timeline, processes, goals, and the draft purpose, need, and scope of the plan. They will have the chance to share their vision of the river s future and provide feedback through comments. MRRIC and CAT members are encouraged to distribute the attached news release that advertises the scoping meetings to those who may be interested in attending. Meeting Dates, Times, and Locations Location Date Facility Times Cheyenne, WY 8/10/09 - Mon Laramie County Public Library, Cottonwood Room 2220 Pioneer Avenue, Cheyenne, WY Ft. Peck, MT 8/12/09 - Wed Fort Peck Interpretive Center Lower Yellowstone Road, Fort Peck, MT Helena, MT 8/13/09 - Thurs Helena College of Technology 1115 North Roberts, Helena, MT New Town, ND 8/17/09 - Mon Northern Lights Building 710 East Avenue, New Town, ND 3-5pm and

10 Bismarck, ND 8/ Tues United Tribes Technical College, Wellness Center Multipurpose Room 3315 University Drive, Bismarck, ND Lower Brule, SD 8/19/09 - Wed Golden Buffalo Casino Convention Center 321 Sitting Bull Street, Lower Brule, SD Vermillion, SD 8/20/09 - Thurs W.H. Over State Museum 1110 Ratingen Street, Vermillion, SD Omaha, NE 8/31/09 - Mon Thompson Center at UNO (Alumni Center) Bootstrapper Hall 6705 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE Kansas City, KS/MO 9/1/09 - Tues Irene B. French Community Center 5701 Merriam Drive, Merriam, KS St. Charles, MO 9/2/09 - Wed St. Charles County Administration Building Rooms 115 and North 2 nd Street, St. Charles, MO Civic Engagement Focus Groups Will Also Meet As part of this process, focus group meetings will be scheduled throughout the basin during August and September. The first meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2009 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in Poplar and Great Falls, Montana. MRRIC and CAT members will be notified when the rest of the focus group meetings are scheduled. These focus group meetings will include a small group of active participants accompanied by group of observers. This focus group activity is an exercise to trigger both active participants and observers to consider key scoping elements and hear different viewpoints. Participants for the focus groups will be identified beforehand and will reflect a diverse range of communities and interests in the basin. These focus group meetings are also open to observers. Although observers will not actively participate in the exercise, they will have an opportunity to provide input on the content and process they observed. Obtaining input from active participants as well as observers is a central purpose of these meetings. Space is limited. To reserve your space as an observer or for additional information about the focus group meetings, please send an to rsvp@mrerp-mt.org or call by August 8, For the latest project information, visit the project web site at or contact any of the MRERP Project Leads listed here. Randy Sellers USACE Project Lead Omaha District 1616 Capital Ave. Omaha, NE Randy.P.Sellers@usace.army.mil

11 Wayne Nelson-Stastny USFWS Project Lead P.O. Box 710 Yankton, SD Jennifer Switzer USACE Project Lead Kansas City District 601 E. 12th St. Kansas City, MO

12 Jamestown Sun Monday, August 3, 2009 Corps sets Missouri River study meetings The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is requesting public input in developing the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is requesting public input in developing the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. The agencies are implementing a collaborative long-term study authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2007, the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. The result of the study will be a fully integrated plan and environmental impact statement. The corps and Fish and Wildlife Service have committed to a collaborative process, consulting with basin tribes, federal and state agencies and Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. A series of open house meetings to help determine the scope of the study will be conducted in August and September throughout the basin. So members of the public can attend when it is most convenient for them, there will be two sessions each day. The first session will be held 3-5 p.m. and an identical session will be held from 6-8 p.m. During the meetings, agency representatives will give a short presentation about the planning process to inform the public about the project. The agencies want to know what the river means to those who live, work, and play on or near the Missouri. Attendees can visit exhibits and learn more about the timeline, processes, goals, and the draft purpose, need, and scope of the plan. They will have the chance to share their vision of the river s future and provide feedback through comments at one or all of the exhibits. Meetings will be held several states, including North Dakota. The meeting in North Dakota is Aug. 18 at United Tribes Technical College, Wellness Center Multipurpose Room, 3315 University Drive, Bismarck.