Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration and
Notification of Open Public Comment Period
for the Reading Island Boat Ramp Improvement Project

The Western Shasta Resource Conservation District (WSRCD) and U.S. Bureau of Land Management Redding Field Office (BLM) have released a draft environmental assessment/initial study (EA/IS) for the Reading Island Boat Ramp Improvement Project (proposed project). WSRCD intends to adopt a proposed mitigated negative declaration (MND) for the proposed project.  The draft EA/IS and proposed MND have been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and the California Environmental Quality Act to provide agencies, the public, and interested parties an opportunity to review the environmental analysis of the proposed project.

The proposed project is located on one acre of land within what is commonly known as Reading Island in Shasta County, California. Reading Island is located on the Balls Ferry U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute quadrangle in Sections 3, 4, 9, and 10 of Township 29 North, Range 3 West (coordinates 40.389340°N, - 122.197773°W). Reading Island is bordered to the west by Anderson Creek, to the east by the Sacramento River (at river mile 274), and to the south by the confluence of Anderson Creek with the Sacramento River.

WSRCD and BLM propose to replace the original floating boat dock and improve access to an existing motorized boat ramp on Anderson Creek near its confluence with the Sacramento River. Accumulated in-stream material would be excavated to improve boat access. The ramp would be cleared of debris and sediment to create a 2-foot-wide shoulder on either side, increasing access and ease of use. Roadway shoulder improvements would allow for easier navigation on the entrance road. The development of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant parking is also proposed. The entry gate would be updated with an automated gate for programmed opening and closing. Portable toilets may also be placed adjacent to the proposed ADA-compliant parking spaces. Depending on recreation use levels, a potential gravel overflow parking lot and permanent vault toilets are proposed, if needed.

The EA/IS provides an assessment of the proposed project’s potential significant adverse impacts on the environment. The EA/IS concludes that the proposed project would not have any significant adverse effects on the environment after implementation of mitigation measures.