DFG News Release

Public Meetings Held to Receive Comments on Hatchery and Stocking Program Draft EIR/EIS

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG), with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is holding public meetings for input on its hatchery and stocking program. The four meetings will allow DFG to hear public comment on a draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) that was released Sept. 29. The EIR/EIS discloses the environmental effects associated with the program.

A recent court order required DFG to produce this environmental analysis under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It was jointly prepared by DFG and FWS, which provides funding for the inland trout and Mad River steelhead portions of the program.

Members of the public can provide comments in person at any of the following locations and times:

• Wednesday, Oct. 21: Sacramento
  5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  Elk's Lodge, Riverside Hall
  6446 Riverside Blvd.
• Monday, Oct. 26: Redding
  5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  Shasta Builders Exchange Training Facility, Shasta Room
  2985 Innsbruck Dr.
• Wednesday, Oct. 28: Bakersfield
  5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  Doubletree Hotel, California Grill Room
  3100 Camino Del Rio Ct.
• Thursday, Oct. 29: Carson
  5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
  Carson Community Center, Main Hall
  3 Civic Plaza Dr.

Written comments may also be submitted, either by e-mail at dfghatcheryeir@dfg.ca.gov or by regular mail sent to:

Jim Starr
California Department of Fish and Game
830 S St.
Sacramento, CA 95811

All comments to DFG must be postmarked by Nov. 16, 2009 and all comments to FWS must be postmarked by Nov. 30, 2009.

For more information about these meetings, the hatchery and stocking program or to view the EIR/EIS and supporting documents, please visit www.dfg.ca.gov/news/pubnotice/hatchery.