Project Overview

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is in the beginning stages of developing the American Falls Resource Management Plan (RMP). American Falls Dam and Reservoir, located in southeastern Idaho, is owned and operated by Reclamation. An RMP was published in 1995 for Reclamation-administered lands near American Falls Dam and Reservoir. The 1995 RMP can be found on Reclamation’s website at https://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/rmp/americanfalls/rmp-americanfalls1995.pdf. Reclamation has determined the RMP needs to be updated to align with current conditions and management needs.

Background

American Falls Dam and Reservoir are located on the Snake River near American Falls, Idaho. The reservoir is a component of the Minidoka Project, providing irrigation water and recreation. The “workhorse” reservoir of the Minidoka Project, American Falls Reservoir has a storage capacity of approximately 1,672,590 acre-feet at an elevation of 4,354.5 feet. Reclamation first developed an RMP for American Falls Dam and Reservoir in 1995. After nearly 30 years, the RMP needs revision to better align with current conditions and management needs.

Reclamation’s authority to prepare RMPs is vested in the broad authority of the Reclamation Act of 1902 (Chapter 1093, 32 Stat. 388); the Reclamation Project Act of 1939 (Chapter 418, 53 Stat. 1 187); the Federal Water Project Recreation Act (Public Law [P.L.] 89-72, 79 Stat. 213); and, more specifically, in the Reclamation Recreation Management Act of 1992 (P.L. 102-575, Title 28 [2805(c)(1)(A)]). The Reclamation Recreation Management Act authorized the preparation of RMPs to “provide for the development, use, conservation, protection, enhancement, and management of resources of Reclamation lands in a manner that is compatible with the authorized purposes of the Reclamation Project associated with the Reclamation lands.” In addition, specific legislation for a Project may provide additional authorization to prepare planning documents such as RMPs.

The purpose of RMPs, which serve as a basis for future resource decisions, is to incorporate into one document all the information pertinent to the future guidance of a management area. This can include an analysis of the resources of the area, identification of land use suitability and capability, land acquisition and disposal needs, determination and designation of land use zones, and development of management policies, objectives, responsibilities, guidelines, and plans. An RMP should set goals for the management area, establish desirable use levels, identify types of development and land uses, and, finally, determine how all of this will be accomplished. The RMP is a continuation of Reclamation’s authorities, policies, and guidelines developed through public input.

Project Area Overview Map

 To view a PDF version of the Project Area Overview Map, click the above image.

Next: RMP Process

For more information on the American Falls RMP, please contact Jami Andersen, Project Manager via email at bor-sha-afrmp@usbr.gov or by phone at 208-678-0461.

To be added or removed from the mailing list, please contact Jared Baxter (jared.baxter@aecom.com).

Individuals who are deaf, blind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services to contact the above Reclamation Project Manager during normal business hours or to leave a message or question after hours.