Big Notch Project Special Use Permit documentation - January 15, 2025

Final Environmental Assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact, and Compatibility Determinations - Big Notch Project Special Use Permit

The US Fish and Wildlife Service announces the availability of the final environmental assessment (EA), finding of no significant impact, and compatibility determinations (CDs) evaluating the proposed issuance of a short-term special use permit to the California Department of Water Resources to allow for increased flows on properties in the Yolo Bypass where the Service has conservation easements. These easements are part of the Steve Thompson North Central Valley Wildlife Management Area. The increased flows are for the purpose of implementing the Yolo Bypass Salmonid Habitat Restoration and Fish Passage Project. The documents linked here are in this order:

• Finding of No Significant Impact and Decision
• Final Environmental Assessment
• Compatibility Determination - North Area Properties (Attachment A)
• Compatibility Determination - Central Area Properties (Attachment B)
• Compatibility Determination - South Area Properties (Attachment C)
• Ducks Unlimited Report - Yolo Bypass USFWS Easements Impact Analysis from the Big Notch Project (Attachment D)
• Response to Comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment and Compatibility Determinations (Attachment E)