The Bureau of Reclamation has released a draft environmental assessment for the Narrows Unit Lantz Tract Ducks Unlimited Recharge Project (Project). The Project, located south of the South Platte River in central Morgan County, Colorado, will provide additional open water habitats for spring and fall migrating waterfowl, as well as other local and migratory wildlife species.

Ducks Unlimited and the Bijou Irrigation District, sponsors of the Project, have proposed the creation of shallow ponds using South Platte River water. The recharged water creates opportunities for more flexible water management for existing agricultural and municipal uses in the South Platte River Basin. “The Project provides opportunities and partnerships through the development of a series of recharge ponds that will benefit local water users, waterfowl, and other wildlife and enhance the recreational values of Reclamation’s Lantz Tract of the Narrows Unit,” said Reclamation’s Eastern Colorado Area Manager, Jeffery Rieker.

The 2023 Narrows Unit Lantz Tract Ducks Unlimited Recharge Project Environmental Assessment has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and is available for public review and comment at the Eastern Colorado Area Office Schedule of NEPA Actions. Please direct any questions to Patrick McCusker at 970-461-5442 or pmccusker@usbr.gov. Please submit comments on the draft environmental assessment to Patrick McCusker, Natural Resource Specialist at pmccusker@usbr.gov by July 7, 2023.

The Lantz Tract is part of a collection of properties commonly referred to as “The Narrows Tracts” and were originally acquired for use in the Narrows Unit under the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program.  

Media inquiries or general questions about Reclamation should be directed to Anna Perea, Public Affairs Specialist, at 970-290-1185 or aperea@usbr.gov. If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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