2

you comments to me this week if possible. Even though the "Official" comment period is 

over, the environmental team will still be reading and logging them. We will incorporate 

all of the comments that we can before the final document goes to the printer. 

The Final Draft EIS/EIR will be release on March 31st. A 30 day comment period on the 

document will follow. We anticipate signing the Record of Decision on May 7th. 

I spoke with a member of your group today. Debbie asked some very good questions. 

To date, we have had a very disappointing level of interest in the flood damage reduction 

portion of the project. Your comments will help us add information to the final document.

I've added a link for viewing the document below. I would concentrate your efforts on the

Executive Summary, and the description of Alternative 3 in Chapter 2. Alt. 3 is our 

"Environmentally Preferred Alternative" at this time. There is also a brief description 

of operations in chapter 1 that might be helpful. 

You can also give me a call to discuss the project. (916-989-7256)

The draft EIS/EIR is available for viewing online at 

http://www.usbr.gov/mp/nepa/nepa_projdetails.cfm?Project_ID=1808

Thanks again for your interest.

Shawn

Shawn E. Oliver

Natural Resource Specialist

Bureau of Reclamation

Central California Area Office (Folsom)

Email soliver@mp.usbr.gov

Office (916) 989-7256

Fax (916) 989-7208

>>> "James A. Roberts" <jemsjar@comcast.net> 01/26/07 3:51 PM >>>

Attn: Shawn E. Oliver

Natural Resource Specialist

Bureau of Reclamation

California Central Area Office (Folsom)

RE: FOLSOM DAM SAFETY AND FLOOD DAMAGE REDUCTION EIS/EIR

Mr. Oliver:

An extension of the time for review of the reference EIS/EIR is requested.

This request is made both (1) as a member of the Facilities, Transportation, and Finance 

Committee of the San Juan Unified School District and (2) as a resident in an area which 

would potentially be adversely impacted by the potential adoption of the project. In 

neither case (the District or the residences in the potentially affected area) did we 

receive notice of the availability of the subject EIS/EIR for review. At a meeting last 

Wednesday, January 24th, to review draft materials on another Bureau project, I was asked 

what my opinion was of the referenced project. I had no idea that it was even being 

proposed! After reading a copy of the Executive Summary, which was given to me that day, 
3

I realize that careful and full review of the document is critical. Today, at another 

meeting I was told that the comment period was to close today.

As a professional in the field of environmental assessment, I understand what pressure you

are going through to prepare the documentation and to act upon the project. However as a

citizen of the community which may be adversely affected, I also understand that we must 

do whatever we can to ensure that the document is fully vetted by all stakeholders. 

Needless to say, without a full review by all stakeholders, the Bureau's process is 

considerably flawed.

Please advise.

James A. Roberts, Ph.D. CEP Emeritus

Geographer and Resource Planner

Tel: 916-483-1564
1

Tisthammer, Troy

From: Mike Finnegan [MFINNEGAN@mp.usbr.gov]

Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 3:07 PM

To: Shawn Oliver

Subject: Fwd: Folsom Point Closure

>>> "Dalisa Sanford" <dalisasan4d@sbcglobal.net> 01/29 1:04 PM >>>

Michael,

My family resides in El Dorado Hills and we are enthusiastic boaters who regularly use the

Brown’s Ravine boat launch. As I’m sure you are aware, this facility is extremely busy 

during the warmer months and we find that boating on the weekends is very difficult. The 

facility is essentially impacted. With the expected growth of El Dorado Hills in the next 

few years, it is logical the pressure on Brown’s Ravine will become even greater. I was 

very surprised to learn of the Bureau’s plans to close down one of the few access areas 

(Folsom Point) for 7 years. I was even more surprised to read that the City of Folsom was

just as surprised at your plan. It seems incomprehensible that The City which your plan 

so dramatically affects would not be part of the process and consulted for alternatives.

I would strongly urge the decision makers to look for other options for the construction 

yard. Many people in this region would be adversely affected by your proposed plan and 

closing one of the few access points would make an already difficult situation even worse.

A City of Folsom Official was quoted as saying they are offering alternative sites for 

your consideration. I sincerely hope the Bureau makes every effort to keep Folsom Point 

open.

Dan and Dalisa Sanford

Dalisa Sanford

1922 Burton Place ◊ EDH ◊ 95762

916-939-5048

916-995-7698 (Cell)
1

Tisthammer, Troy

From: Mike Finnegan [MFINNEGAN@mp.usbr.gov]

Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 3:06 PM

To: Shawn Oliver

Subject: Fwd: Closing of Folsom Point

>>> "Elizabeth Kastern" <ekastern@mhalaw.com> 01/29 10:39 AM >>>

To Whom It May Concern:

We live at 209 Briggs Ranch Drive in Folsom and my family and friends have enjoyed having 

close walking distance access to the Folsom Point park and recreation area. The highest 

selling point when buying our house 3 years ago was that we were so close to the lake. 

Please include me on the record as being Opposed to the Closing of Folsom Point. 

Thank you for your consideration.

Elizabeth and Brian Kastern
Tisthammer, Troy

From: Porter, Stacy

Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 8:20 AM

To: Tisthammer, Troy

Subject: FW: Closure of Folsom Point (UNCLASSIFIED)

Page 1 of 1

1/30/2007

From: Victorine, Rebecca A SPK [mailto:Rebecca.A.Victorine@spk01.usace.army.mil] 

Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 7:49 AM 

To: Shawn Oliver; Porter, Stacy 

Cc: Wondolleck, John 

Subject: FW: Closure of Folsom Point (UNCLASSIFIED)

 

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

 

From: Martin Kiff [mailto:glomart@pacbell.net] 

Sent: Friday, January 26, 2007 1:15 PM 

To: Victorine, Rebecca A SPK 

Subject: Closure of Folsom Point

As regular users of Folsom Point, It would be very difficult to go to a different location for the years this 

would be closed and unavailable to the public. We strongly recommend a staging location that is not 

used by such a large segment of the public. 

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED 

Caveats: NONE
Tisthammer, Troy

From: Porter, Stacy

Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 8:20 AM

To: Tisthammer, Troy

Subject: FW: FOLSOM POINT CLOSURE (UNCLASSIFIED)

Page 1 of 2

1/30/2007

From: Victorine, Rebecca A SPK [mailto:Rebecca.A.Victorine@spk01.usace.army.mil] 

Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 8:06 AM 

To: Shawn Oliver; Porter, Stacy 

Cc: Wondolleck, John 

Subject: FW: FOLSOM POINT CLOSURE (UNCLASSIFIED)

 

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED

Caveats: NONE

From: mschlegel2@comcast.net [mailto:mschlegel2@comcast.net] 

Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2007 9:43 AM 

To: themayor@folsom.ca.us; Victorine, Rebecca A SPK 

Subject: FOLSOM POINT CLOSURE

January 27, 2007 

 

To all of our honorable representatives: 

 

RE: "PROPOSED" CLOSURE OF FOLSOM POINT STATE PARK (A.K.A. DYKE 8) by BUREAU 

OF RECLAMATION AND U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS. 

 

Please be advised that we, citizens of Folsom, CA, have been put on notice that a proposed closure of 

our park is scheduled for the fall of 2007. This proposal comes from the Bureau of Reclamation and the 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is our understanding that our beautiful park and recreation area will be 

used as a construction staging area for different work projects on the dam and Mormon Island Spillway 

by the Bureau and Army Corps of Engineers. 

 

It is our belief that this closure will have deep and dramatic effects on families, businesses, tourism and 

the environment. The consequences are far reaching. This is a family community. We bring our children 

to the late to walk, bike, swim, picnic, fish, boat and just enjoy nature. This scenario is repeated over and 

over again. Folsom Point is one of the reasons people buy homes in this area. This park is one of the 

jewels of Folsom. Bird Watchers frequent the park. I might point out that even though the Bald Eagle is 

no longer on the endangered species list, it is still protected by the "Bald and Gold Eagle Protection 

Act". It is my understanding that one of the afforded protections is not to disturb the nesting area or 

flight pattern area. This needs more investigation. We have not been given adequate time to investigate 

the impact that this proposal will have on our environment. We have other migratory birds that now nest 

there as well. This is a pathway f or many other animals as well. Rattlesnakes also reside at Folsom 

Point. 
 

The businesses in Folsom will definitely realize a financial impact. Our business owners look forward to 

the summer months when tourists and other lake traffic provide much needed revenue. Our businesses 

suffered with the closure of the Dam Road and now this may be the proverbial "straw" for financial loss. 

Business owners have expressed a great concern. 

 

We do not oppose positive improvements on the dam. We request a staging area that will not hurt so 

many families, businesses, wildlife and real estate values. In all truth we have not been given adequate 

time in which to address these issues. Our first notice was on January 9th 2007. We were advised that 

3,000 flyers were sent out. This is a city with a population of 63,000. The deadline given to us to discuss 

the closure is January 22, 2007. That was essentially "no notice". We need counsel as to our rights and 

the right of the wildlife who cannot speak for themselves. 

 

We ask all of you, as our voice and representatives, to please aid us in this endeavor. 

 

Respectfully, 

 

Michelle Schelgel 

Concerned Citizens and Residents of Folsom, California 

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED 

Caveats: NONE

Page 2 of 2

1/30/2007
Tisthammer, Troy

From: Melanie Daniels [muyjeep@sbcglobal.net]

Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 7:53 PM

To: soliver@mp.usbr.gov; rebecca.A.Victorine@usace.army.mil

Cc: Dave daniels; Melanie

Subject: Folsom Point

Page 1 of 1

1/30/2007

Dear government people, 

 

My name is Emily and I am 7 years old. I live by Folsom Point in Folsom, CA. 

 

Please do not close Folsom Point because I love driving mom's jeep there. I love having 

picnics there. If I can't go there for 5 years I might not have a lot of fun. 

 

I am doing a report about it in Mrs. Thompson's 2nd grade class at Empire Oaks Elementary. 

Empire Oaks Elementary is really close to Folsom Point. 

 

Sincerely, 

 

Emily Daniels 

 

P.S. Folsom Point was the first place that I went in the world when I was just a little baby. 

 

 

 
1

Porter, Stacy

From: Mike Finnegan [MFINNEGAN@mp.usbr.gov]

Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 5:15 PM

To: Shawn Oliver

Subject: Fwd: Folsom Point Closure

>>> "Veronica Thompson" <vkthompson@comcast.net> 01/31 1:04 PM >>>

I would like to express my opposition to the closure of Folsom Point for any length of 

time as a staging area for the construction of a new bridge.

I feel our community has suffered enough with the Dam Rd. closure and to now take away our

only access to the Lake would be wrong. If Folsom Point is closed then those of us (on 

the east side Lake Natoma and the majority of Folsom residents) who enjoy the picnic 

grounds and launch access will suffer. Other launch access includes Brown's Ravine, which

is already over crowded and many times is closed because there is no parking available or 

Granite Bay, which would mean traveling with trailers on Riley Street through "Old Town", 

an already overly-congested street to get out to Granite Bay. 

I urge the Bureau of Reclamation to search for other areas which could be used. How about

the old vista point parking area on Dam Rd. which is now closed to the public? Finding a 

site that is not being used by the public makes much more sense.

Thank you for your time,

Veronica Thompson, Folsom Resident 
1

Porter, Stacy

From: Mike Finnegan [MFINNEGAN@mp.usbr.gov]

Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 5:16 PM

To: Shawn Oliver

Subject: Fwd: Folsom Point

>>> Kathi Hamburg <kathi_hamburg@ABS-ABS.com> 01/31 1:02 PM >>>

I have been a resident of Folsom for over 13 years. I believe our community has suffered 

enough. I am very much against the closure of Folsom Point.

There are other options. Do not take anymore away from our community.

Kathi Hamburg
Porter, Stacy

From: Vickie Lee [vickieb@sbcglobal.net]

Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 5:44 PM

To: mfinnegan@mp.usbr.gov

Subject: Please do not close Folsom Point

Page 1 of 1

2/9/2007

My family and I spend many hours during the summer together at Folsom Point. Please do not close as 

it will affect a huge community of people in the Folsom area. 

 

Thanks 

 

Vickie 
Porter, Stacy

From: marty boyea [mjboyea1@comcast.net]

Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 11:56 PM

To: mfinnegan@mp.usbr.gov

Subject: closure of Folsom Point

Page 1 of 1

2/9/2007

Please include me in the fight to not close Folsom Point. Thank You. Marty and Judy Boyea, 400 Kempton SQ, 

Folsom.
Porter, Stacy

From: afaracemanz@comcast.net

Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 8:16 PM

To: themayor@folsom.ca.us; mfinnegan@mp.usbr.gov

Subject: Folsom Point closure

Page 1 of 1

2/9/2007

I am very disappointed to hear that there is talk about closing Folsom Point. This is the one boat launch, 

recreation area close for Folsom residents. If this area is closed we will be forced to drive to either 

Folsom Auburn Road (Seal Beach I believe it what it's called) or to Brown's Ravine in EDH. 

 

There must be another area that can be used as a staging point for the new bridge. Please consider other 

options. 

 

Thank you! 

 

Annette Manz 
Porter, Stacy

From: Jean Peterson [onejeanius1@comcast.net]

Sent: Wednesday, January 31, 2007 7:56 PM

To: mfinnegan@mp.usbr.gov

Subject: Folsom Point Closure

Page 1 of 1

2/9/2007

Bureau of Reclamation,

 

I am opposed to the closure of Folsom Point during the construction of the new bridge south of the dam. I think 

the people of Folsom have been "punished" enough since the closure of the dam road! Please seek an 

alternative site that would not have such a big impact on recreation and businesses.

Thank-you,

Jean Peterson
Comment #385 

I am writing to both of you on this topic, as I was unable to attend a meeting at 6pm on the 10th at the 

Folsom Community Center, 52 Natomas Street. I received an email from one of my neighbors this morning. 

Unfortunately I was on the east coast for business meetings; otherwise I would have been able to attend.] I 

was a little taken aback however on the extremely short notice for this meeting. 

Folsom Lake is an important asset for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and as such has a very big impact on 

home values and our economy. Closing access to its shorelines and boat ramps will be very detrimental to 

the people who those amenities and extremely harmful to the local home values in the region. Some of the 

local businesses, which depend on their proximity to Folsom Lake for their success, could very likely be 

forced out of business as well. 

I myself just purchased a home in Briggs Ranch. It closed in May and I just moved in last July. I paid a 

premium, even though we were in a “down” market, for the specific purpose of having access to Folsom 

Point. There were several families at that point competing for homes in this area and it was a t a time when 

there were surplus homes that were, and still are, available in other areas for VERY attractive comparative 

prices. Now to think of losing this access for up to seven years is, to say it politely, very disappointing. Not 

only form an access to the lake point of view, but also from the perspective impact it will have on my 

investment. All of the sudden, Folsom becomes a bad investment. Is this truly the impact you wish to have 

on our community? 

The impact will be enormous, not only to me but our community. In the light that there are other alternatives 

to consider, I hope you will give this further thought. I would suggest considering the sides of the now closed 

Dam road as well as the large parking area to vista/picnic area, also already closed to the public. 

I find it interesting that the announced time of the meeting came out on the same day of its occurrence. I 

would obviously not be alone in being extremely disappointed to loose continued access to the lake and its 

shoreline before, during and after any construction takes place.








Citizens of Folsom statement of position 

On 

Possible closure of Folsom Point (previously known as Dike 8) 

 As tax paying business people, citizens and home owners, we consider the choice 

of closing Folsom Point for the use as a staging area / construction site for the bureau of 

reclamation to do the necessary retrofits to the existing dam and to build the needed new 

spillway to be a significant threat the our livelihoods, health & quality of life. This threat 

is in the form of the bureau stated excessive pollution, traffic, noise, that will result from 

the dynamiting and large equipment movement. We are very concerned that there will 

also be structural damage to existing homes, pools, buildings from as well as significant 

drop in the value of our homes as a result of this proposal. 

 This impact can an should be avoided by the use of the look out point located just 

south of the dam itself on the dam road that has already been closed to all Folsom traffic, 

which in itself caused a drastic reduction in area business revenues as well as an 

enormous traffic issues. We have already taken a large hit with the closure of the dam 

road, and we feel that the bureau can use that area with far less destruction and 

disturbance to our lives. 

In addition, this proposed 6-7 year closure, with all of its hazardous issues, was not 

publicized near well enough for us to respond.