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The following document is the 1993 Record of Decision (ROD) by the Bureau of Reclamation. It consists of 41 Proposed Actions that were to become the Reservoir Area Management Plan (RAMP). The plan was never implemented. The ROD is included here for reference.
1. Land Acquisition
Preferred Action: Acquire additional lands to provide recreational access and services to public lands and minimize impacts to adjoining lands. Priority acquisitions include the following sites:
Private lands between Putah and Eticuera Creeks southeast of the Knoxville-Berryessa Road. Two parcels involving 200 acres may ultimately be involved.
Private land south of Spanish Flat Resort adjacent to Knoxville-Berryessa Road. Two parcels totaling approximately 2-112 acres may ultimately be involved.
2. Land Disposal
Preferred Action: Dispose of or exchange lands around Lake Berryessa not required for either the operation of the Solano Project, watershed protection, or recreational or wildlife purposes. Only lands separated from the lake by highways would be considered in this action. As lands are identified for disposal, appropriate public involvement and environmental documentation procedures will be followed. Approximately 500 acres could ultimately be involved.
3. Dispersed Recreation Area Improvements
Preferred Action: Develop and/or improve dispersed recreation areas (Class III) which could include access trails, sanitation facilities, garbage collection, parking, visitor information signing, etc. to provide for the health and safety of the public and protection of resources. In some cases, improvements would only involve a replacement of existing deteriorated facilities. Sites to be developed and/or improved generally would include areas with existing improvements and those areas being used frequently by the public which lack any improvements.
4. Administration Point Day Use Area
Preferred Action: Improve access to Administration Point to provide a dispersed/semi-primitive day use experience. Access will normally be limited to walk-in users. Provision for limited motor vehicle access will be available for special needs populations. The site totals 30 acres of which only a small portion of the land would be disturbed for site development.
5. Smittle Creek Day Use Area
Preferred Action: Take No New Action. Maintain Smittle Creek Day Use Area in accordance with the Oak Shores Plan which retains it as a day use area. No campground development would be allowed.
6. Facilities for Special Needs Populations
Preferred Action: Improve accessibility for special needs populations in all facilities at Lake Berryessa including concession areas. In some cases, retrofitting of appropriate facilities may be required in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
7. Trail Development
Preferred Action: Develop a predominantly unsurfaced multi-purpose riding and hiking trail system (30 to 50 miles) in dispersed recreation (Class III) and semi- primitive areas (Class IV). Trails could accommodate a variety of uses, but would not be available to any types of motorized vehicles. Any development of trails on the eastside would have to conform with a management plan for that area to be developed as a result of preferred action 13.
8. Boat Access Camping
Preferred Action: Establish a boat access camping program for arm designated as semi-primitive (Class N) and dispersed recreation (Class III) which will be administered by Reclamation. Under a permit system, resorts could provide parking and launching for a fee. Initially, only 50-100 sites would be established.
9. Island Uses and Improvements
Preferred Action: Provide dispersed recreation area improvements such as boat access camping sites on Small and Big Island (450 + acres). This would change the existing land-use classification from semi-primitive (Class N) to dispersed recreation (Class III).
10. North Area Campground
Preferred Action: Develop a low density, high quality campground and day use area on the west shore, north of Putah Creek. The exact location would be made in consideration of minimizing potential impacts to bald eagles. Approximately 50-100 individual sites plus a group site on 30-40 acres of rolling grass-oak woodland would be provided for tent camping and/or recreational vehicles. This would result in a land-use classification change from dispersed recreation (Class III) to general outdoor recreation (Class 11) for the actual campground site. The remaining north shore lands would continue to be in the dispersed recreation classification.
11. Boat Launching
Preferred Action: Develop additional boat launching opportunities in conjunction with the proposed north shore campground to disperse use. It will be utilized by day users and campground users. Fees may be charged, depending upon applicable policies or legislation at the time of construction.
12. User Fees
Preferred Action: Where legally authorized, charge user fees in areas where improvements have been made or a special service is provided. Semi-primitive (Class IV) and dispersed recreation (Class III) areas around the lake will remain open to the public at no charge. Fees could be charged for:
Houseboat inspections
Boat access camping program services
Special events
Special permit processing
13. Fish and Wildlife Management Area
Preferred Action: Plan and establish a fish and wildlife management area under an agreement with the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) for lands on the eastsbore of Lake Berryessa, extending from Eticuera Creek to the Monticello Dam (approximately 1,400 acres). The nonexclusive grazing easement area (Gunn Ranch) may preclude certain management activities above the 440 elevation mark. This action will be coordinated with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and a special Focus Group will be established and may consist of representatives from the FWS, Reclamation, adjacent landowners, and special interest groups For the remainder of the lake, management of fish and wildlife resources will be retained by Reclamation with technical input provided by DFG. As a fish and wildlife area, a variety of actions could be implemented such as:
Cattle enclosures and/or cattle grazing restrictions
Waterfowl nesting habitat
Roosting and nesting sites for eagles, ospreys, great blue herons, etc.
Native tree planting
Fertilization and seeding of the fluctuation zone to provide waterfowl food
Establish riparian vegetation along water courses
Continue fishery related management efforts and habitat improvement projects
14. Visitor Information Services
Preferred Action: Expand visitor information services which could include:
Interpretive center facilities and activities
Develop mini interpretive center in the dam area
Overlooks at appropriate locations along roads
Interpretive trails
Interpretive displays in developed access points and concession areas
Additional signing
15. Limited Special Uses of Lands
Preferred Action: Allow limited special uses of Reclamation lands around Lake Berryessa, including those shoreline areas exposed due to extreme drawdowns, only if such uses are not exclusive nor incompatible with other recreational activities. Off road vehicle use will continue to be prohibited. Lands may not be closed to the public to accommodate limited special uses. However, general public access to an area where limited special uses have been approved may be restricted temporarily for reasons of public health and safety. Specific guidelines and procedures and mitigation measures may be developed for each special use to minimize impacts on resources including water supplies.
16. Special Events on Land
Preferred Action: Allow special events and/or activities (equestrian activities, races, bicycling events, etc.) which may temporarily displace other recreational uses on a limited irregular basis through a permit system. The temporary closure of lands to the general public for reasons of public health and safety may be authorized for the duration of the event. Specific guidelines and procedures and mitigation measures may be developed for each special use, to minimize impacts on resources, including water supplies.
17. Water Surface Zoning and Restrictions
Preferred Action: Establish and implement (after coordination with the Napa County Sheriffs Dept.) specific zoning and/or restrictions for water surface uses and activities to promote public health and safety, foster compatibility of recreational uses, and protect and enhance natural resources, including water supplies, wetlands, and riparian habitats. Activities or areas subject to zoning restrictions could include, but are not limited to, the following:
Water skiing and similar activities in Neither Cove
Parasailing around power lines in the Narrows, Wragg Canyon, and Neither Cove
Jet skiing in Oak Shores
Closure of specific areas because of water supply intakes, endangered species issues, approved construction projects, etc.
Aircraft operations
Speed zones for specific areas
Floating structures
Establishment of boat traffic patterns on lake surface
18. Limited Special Uses of the Water Surface
Preferred Action: Allow limited special uses (such as water skiing instruction or slalom courses) of designated coves and other specific water surface areas only if such uses are not exclusive nor incompatible with other recreational activities. The closure of coves or other areas for limited special uses is prohibited. However, general public access to an area where limited special uses have been approved may be restricted temporarily for reasons of public health or safety. Additional public involvement and necessary environmental documentation may be required prior to restricting public access for limited special uses.
19. Special Water Use Events
Preferred Action: Allow special water use events and/or activities (races, regattas, swims, fishing derbies, etc.) which may temporarily displace other recreational uses on a limited irregular basis through a permit system. The temporary closure of coves or other areas for reasons of public health and safety may be authorized for the duration of the event.
20. Water Craft Carrying Capacity
Preferred Action: Limit the total launching, marina capacity, and storage capabilities of water craft (power boats, sail boats, etc.) or. Lake Berryessa to 3,000, based upon recommendations presented in the 1959 Pubic Use Plan. The carrying capacity will be revised if planned research shows that additional watercraft may be safely accommodated. The additional launching capabilities of the north shore boat ramp (preferred action No. 11) are to be included in the carrying capacity limit of 3,000.
21. Establish Law Enforcement Capabilities
Preferred Action: Obtain additional law enforcement support to fully administer Public Law 93-493. This may involve contracting with Napa County to increase enforcement activities at the lake and establishing specific Federal rules and regulations.
22. Floodproofing and/or Anchoring of Structures and Facilities in the Base Floodplain
Preferred Action: Generally, all structures and facilities, including those for long-term uses, located in the Base Floodplain (440 feet to 450 feet mean sea level) will be floodproofed per Reclamation Instructions or removed. However, mobile homes, travel trailers, and their additions which cannot be easily floodproofed per Reclamation Instructions will, as a minimum, be securely anchored and have all sewage systems floodproofed.
Criteria for floodproofing and/or anchoring of all structures and facilities, including mobile homes, travel trailers, and their additions, will be determined in a subsequent Operational Policy to be developed after appropriate public involvement and environmental documentation procedures. Within one year after issuance of the Operational Policy, any structure or facility failing to meet the requirements of the Operational Policy must be removed or relocated above the reservoir floodplain (455 foot elevation).
Resort operators shall develop a Reclamation approved emergency floodproofing plan for securing water, sewage and utility systems within the Reservoir Floodplain against contamination due to high water. Structures and facilities which are floodproofed and/or anchored may retrain in the Base Floodplain provided: (1) their value is amortized over a period no longer than that remaining until a resort-wide reorganization (period varies with individual concessions); and, (2) all applicable leases and agreements (including rental agreements) are modified to contain a "hold harmless" provision removing Reclamation from liability in case of a base or greater flood.
23. Prohibit Construction and Placement of Facilities in Reservoir Floodplain
Preferred Action: Prohibit the construction or placement of new or additional permanent structures and facilities, including those for long-term uses to be located within the Reservoir Floodplain (440 feet to 455 feet mean sea level), except items which have been authorized in master plans for water or related activities. This prohibition does not apply to normal routine maintenance required for existing structures and facilities. Temporary facilities serving day and shortterm uses may be allowed in the Reservoir Floodplain provided they can be floodproofed or removed on short notice.
24. Limitation on Long-term Uses
Preferred Action: Prohibit any increase in the total number of long-term uses within any resort. Uses eliminated due to other actions may be relocated, provided space is available and approved by Reclamation (see Preferred Action 37).
25. Removal of Structures and Facilities for Environmental Causes
Preferred Action: Structures and facilities, including long-term uses, will be eliminated in unstable or environmentally unacceptable areas, provided no effective mitigation measures can be implemented. This action will be implemented through periodic reviews of each resort. Affected long-term sites may be relocated, provided space is available and approved by Reclamation (see Prefered Action 37).
26. Storage in Shoreline Areas
Preferred Action: Prohibit storage of solid wastes, materials, equipment, and other inappropriate items in shoreline areas to protect water supplies, eliminate clutter and aesthetic incompatibility, improve public access, and minimize safety hazards, unless specifically approved by Reclamation.
27. Resort Master Plans and Limitation on Development
Preferred Action: No development actions which require significant environmental documentation and public involvement will be approved prior to completion of an approved Master Plan for the resort. This limited moratorium will not preclude development actions which:
Are needed to alleviate health and safety problems or are the result of emergency situations.
Involve the general maintenance or replacement of deteriorated facilities.
Could be approved as per the "Decisions for Lake Berryessa Actions" dated April 14, 1987.
Are required by actions in this document and are otherwise directed by Reclamation.
28. Land Planning and Development Criteria
Preferred Action: All new projects within concession/special use areas will generally adhere to the basic planning and development criteria included in Appendix C of the Final EIS. Such criteria will minimize the impacts of new development on existing resources and will require some changes over the previous patterns of development occurring within concession/special use areas.
29. Facility Development and Design Standards
Preferred Action: Whenever feasible, establish and implement facility development and design standards for resorts including size restrictions, density, architectural styles, lot development, resort motif, and utility service standards to ,upgrade facilities. These would supplement existing State of California "Title 25" Standards.
30. Commercial Houseboats/OvernightOccupancy Vessels (OOVs)
Preferred Action: Allow 75 commercial houseboats or other types of commercial OOVs to occupy Lake Berryessa. A higher quota may be imposed if supported by sufficient studies.
31. Sewage and Gray Water Holding Facilities
Preferred Action: All vessels, including houseboats, cruisers, patio boats, etc., capable of discharging sewage and gray water shall be equipped with holding tanks that can be discharged by vacuum pumping only. Resorts having moored vessels capable of holding and discharging sewage and gray water shall provide sufficient pumpout facilities. All existing houseboats/00Vs on Lake Berryessa shall fully comply with sewage and gray water holding criteria within three years after adoption of a houseboat/OOV operational policy. Houseboats/ OOVs to be placed on the lake in the future, for shortterm or long-term use, shall fully comply with this action.
32. Private Houseboats/Overnight Occupancy Vessels (OOVs)
Preferred Action: A maximum of 15 privately owned houseboats (noncommercial vessels) will be allowed at Lake Berryessa. Houseboats will be authorized for placement on the lake by permit issued by Reclamation and moorage agreements with those resorts capable of providing pumpout services. Houseboats and OOVs will be regulated by size, sewage and gray water holding capabilities, etc.
33. Limitations on Shoreline Modifications Below 440 Feet Mean Sea Level
Preferred Action: Modifications of the shoreline (dredging, filling, earth shaping, revetment work) below 440 feet mean sea level will only be allowed as required for maintenance of existing facilities, to improve aesthetics, day-use public access, or to alleviate health and safety problems. Modifications could include improvements to provide for additional day use activities such as swimming, picnicking, shoreline access and minor marina facilities. The original shoreline configuration will not be altered to accommodate additional overnight facilities, storage areas, etc. Reclamation approval is subject to receipt of appropriate Napa County, DFG, Army Corps. of Engineers, or other Federal or state agency permits as may be required.
34. Removal of Long-term Uses from Base Floodplain Area, and Floodproofing and/or Anchoring Long-term Uses between 450 - 455 feet
Preferred Action: Remove all structures and facilities used for tenant occupancy or habitation (long-term uses) from the Base Floodplain (440 feet to 450 feet mean sea level) within one year after resort reorganization. Long-term uses located at elevations 450 feet to 455 feet may remain so long as they are: (1) floodproofed and/or securely anchored per Reclamation Instructions; and (2) are not subject to removal for other reasons. This action applies to all mobile homes, travel trailers, and their additions and improvements located in the Base or Reservoir Floodplain. Preferred Action 23, no new long-term uses will be constructed or placed in the Reservoir Floodplain (440 to 455 feet mean sea level).
35. Floodproof or Remove Permanent Structures and Facilities in the Reservoir Floodplain
Preferred Action: All existing permanent structures and facilities located in the Reservoir Floodplain (440 to 455 feet mean sea level), other than those associated with longterm uses (covered in Preferred Action 34), will be floodproofed per Reclamation Instructions or removed. Preferred Action 23, no new permanent structures or facilities will be constructed within the Reservoir Floodplain (440 to 455 feet mean sea level).
36. Create Short-term Sites from Existing Long-term Sites
Preferred Action: Provide additional short-term facilities (day use, camping, etc.) in designated shoreline locations (cluster
concept) currently occupied by long-term uses. Locations which are desirable for conversion from longterm to short-term uses will be determined during master planning and resort reorganizations. Conversions to short-term will be based upon a number of criteria and not just on where the sites are located. Preferred Action 37, relocations of displaced long-term sites may be permitted provided space; is available and is approved by Reclamation. This action does not preclude the development of needed short-term facilities at other undeveloped areas within the resort.
37. Relocation of Long-term Sites
Preferred Action: Long-term uses (mobile homes, travel trailers, etc.) which are eliminated during a reorganization may be relocated to another site in the resort provided space is available and approved by Reclamation. Sites may be identified in subsequent resort master plans or reorganization plans. No net increase in the total number of long-term sites will be allowed. The number of relocation opportunities will depend upon existing situations at each resort.
38. Facility Development and Design Standards
Preferred Action: Establish and implement facility development and design standards for resorts including size restrictions, density, architectural styles, lot development, resort motif, and utility service standards to upgrade facilities. This would supplement portions of existing State of California "Title 25" Standards.
39. Deletion of Land from Concession Areas
Preferred Action: Delete undeveloped, unused, and/or inappropriately used recreation land and water areas from within the concession boundaries and modify concession agreements as appropriate.
40. Variable Rate Franchise Fees
Preferred Action: Establish and implement variable rate franchise fees within concession areas as an incentive to emphasize capital investment, health and safety, maintenance levels, public access, and/or other Reclamation recreation objectives.
41. Fee Reviews and Approvals
Preferred Action: Adjustment of long-term use fees will not require review and approval by Reclamation. Long-term use fees may be reviewed and approved by Reclamation at the request of a concessionaire provided all administrative costs involved are reimbursed. Adjustment of fees and charges for other resort services would continue to be subject to Reclamation review and approval prior to implementation.
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