Final EA_Pine Canyon and Mathews Canyon Dams

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles District (Corps) has conducted an environmental analysis in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. The Final Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with development of the Master Plan for Pine Canyon and Mathews Canyon Dams in Lincoln County, Nevada.

The Master Plan and Final EA can be viewed here: Pine Mathews

 The Master Plan serves as a strategic land use management document for the stewardship of recreational, natural, and cultural resources at the dam site.   The Master Plan provides recommendations for land use classifications at Mathews Dam. However, no land use classifications are recommended for Pine Canyon Dam, as the Corps does not retain any fee title lands at Pine Canyon Dam. The recommended plan includes three land use classifications at Mathews Dam, including areas identified for project operations, low-density recreation, and wildlife manage.

The Final EA evaluated two alternatives: the No Action and the Proposed Action. Under the No Action Alternative, no Federal action would be taken, the Corps would not approve the adoption and implementation of the proposed Master Plan. Instead, the Corps would continue to manage the Pine Canyon Dam and the Mathews Canyon Dam’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources without the guidance of a Master Plan.  Under the Proposed Action the proposed Master Plan would be adopted and implemented in coordination with public comments and in accordance with the Corps’ land management and usage goals, objectives, guidance, and regulations. The proposed Master Plan utilizes land use classifications that do not substantively alter the existing conditions but rather define how project lands are classified and resources are managed. The Proposed Action formalizes the land use and management approach that is already in place.  The Proposed Action is the recommended plan.

For both alternatives, the potential effects were evaluated, as appropriate. A summary assessment of the potential effects of the Proposed Action are listed in Table 1.  All practicable and appropriate means to avoid or minimize adverse environmental effects were analyzed and incorporated into the Proposed Action. Environmental commitments as detailed in the Final EA would be implemented, as appropriate, to minimize impacts. No compensatory mitigation is required as part of the recommended plan.

A Public Notice on a preparation of a draft EA and Master Plan was published on August 15, 2024, for a 30-day public review period and was distributed to interested parties soliciting review and comment.  No comments on the EA were received.