Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the North Cache Valley Watershed Plan Project in Franklin County, Idaho and Cache County, Utah

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Idaho State Office announces its intent to prepare an EIS for the North Cache Valley Project Watershed Plan (Watershed Plan), located within the North Cache Valley Watershed in Lewiston, Utah. The proposed Watershed Plan will examine alternative solutions to provide improved agricultural water management and to enhance recreational facilities. The project is being planned for areas within the watershed located in Franklin County, Idaho and Cache County, Utah. The project area is comprised of the irrigation service area within the watershed which fits into the watershed plan's primary purpose of Agricultural Water Management. The Project Area includes developed and undeveloped agricultural land and small farm communities. The primary purpose for this Watershed Plan is to provide more reliable management of agricultural water in the Project Area and to enhance existing recreational opportunities in the watershed. This Watershed Plan is needed to improve impaired drainage infrastructure; provide an efficient and reliable irrigation water supply; improve water management and measurement; reduce seepage loss in existing conveyance systems; and to expand the limited recreational opportunities in the watershed. NRCS is requesting comments to identify significant issues, potential alternatives, information, and analyses relevant to the proposed action from all interested individuals, Federal and State agencies, and Tribes.