Paiute Tribe Floodplain Management Plan 2016

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Floodplain Management Plan 2016

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Technical Advisory Group November 18, 2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ACRONYMS ...... IV DEFINITIONS ...... IV INTRODUCTION...... 1

DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA ...... 1 Water Rights ...... 3 Land Use Summary ...... 3 Truckee River Fish Species ...... 4 Endangered Fish Species ...... 4 Vegetation ...... 7 Amphibians and Reptiles...... 7 Birds ...... 7 Mammals ...... 8 Special Considerations ...... 8 PURPOSE OF THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 11 DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 14

FUTURE CONDITIONS ...... 14 FLOODPLAIN HAZARD ASSESSMENT ...... 15 Flood History ...... 16 Community Assets ...... 18 Description of Flood Areas of the Concern ...... 18 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS ...... 23 Pyramid Lake Paiute Technical Advisory Group - 2016 ...... 24 Pyramid Lake Paiute Public Awareness Work Group (PAW) - 2016 ...... 24 Public Involvement Plan ...... 25 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ...... 26 STRATEGIES AND TOOLS ...... 28

STRATEGY: MODIFYING HUMAN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO FLOOD HAZARDS ...... 29 Tool: Land Use Policy and Ordinances ...... 30 Tool: Flood Warning Systems ...... 30 Tool: Flood Emergency Preparedness Plans ...... 31 Flood Risk Adaptive Measures ...... 33 Tool: Elevation of Buildings ...... 33 Tool: Relocation of Buildings ...... 34 Tool: Flood Proofing Buildings in the Floodplain ...... 34 STRATEGY: MODIFYING THE IMPACT OF FLOODING ...... 35 Tool: Information and Education ...... 36 Tool: Flood Insurance ...... 37 Tool: Emergency Relief and Post-Flood Recovery ...... 37 STRATEGY: PRESERVING AND RESTORING FLOODPLAINS’ ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ...... 38 Tool: Wetlands Protection and Restoration ...... 38 Tool: Erosion and Sediment Control ...... 38 Tool: Water Quality Enhancement ...... 39 Tool: Enhancement of Recreation and Educational Opportunities ...... 39

Tool: Preservation of Cultural Resources ...... 39 STRATEGY: MODIFYING FLOODWATERS ...... 40 Tool: Channel Alterations, Diversions, and Bypasses ...... 40 Tool: Pump Stations ...... 41 Additional Tools ...... 41 RECOMMENDED ACTION PLAN ...... 42

ADOPTION OF THE PYRAMID LAKE PAIUTE TRIBE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 42 IDENTIFY A FLOODPLAIN MANAGER FOR THE TRIBE ...... 43 DEVELOP COORDINATION PROCESS BETWEEN AT LEAST THREE ENTITIES...... 43 ENCOURAGE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OF THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN PROCESS ...... 43 DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. INCORPORATE THE PYRAMID LAKE PAIUTE TRIBE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN IN THE WASHOE COUNTY REGIONAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN ...... 44 DEVELOP FLOODPLAIN INUNDATION MAPS ...... 44 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 45 REFERENCES ...... 46 APPENDICES ...... 49

APPENDIX A –MAP PLATES ...... 50 APPENDIX B – FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT, FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT, AND ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES ...... 67 Federal Emergency Management Agency ...... 67 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ...... 67 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ...... 71 U.S. Geologic Survey ...... 71 Environmental Protection Agency ...... 72 Bureau of Indian Affairs ...... 73 Emergency Response Services ...... 73 APPENDIX C – PUBLIC COMMENTS & ACCEPTED PROPOSAL ...... 77 APPENDIX D – EXAMPLE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT RESOURCES ...... 83 Floodplain Management Plan Example ...... 83 Public Involvement Plan Example ...... 83

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Map of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation Boundary within the Truckee River Watershed (Appendix A-1)………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………2

Figure 2: Native Cui-ui (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2016)……………………………………………………………………5

Figure 3: 28 Pound Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, 1976 (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 1976)…………………………5

Figure 4: Marble Bluff Dam and Fish Passage Facility (Bureau of Reclamation, 2016)………………………………6

Figure 5: Derby Dam (Bureau of Reclamation, 2016)………………………………………………………………………………6

Figure 6: Truckee River Inflows and Outflows through Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes (Adapted from USGS, 2005)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10

Figure 7: Sustainable Flood Risk Management Cycle……………………………………………………………………………...11

Figure 8: Flood Risk Management Tools Associated Implementation Responsibility………………………………12

Figure 9: Federal Requirement for Floodplain Management Plans from the 1996 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) (amending the 1986 WRDA)…………………………………………………………………………13

Figure 10: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe's Recent Flood History Timeline (Adapted from the Washoe County Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17

Figure 11: Structures that may benefit from Elevation, Relocation, or Flood Proofing…………………………..33

Figure 12: Example Flood Risk Management Tools for Reducing Flood Risk…………………………………………..36

LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Vulnerability Ratings Rubric (Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015)…………….15

Table 2: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Hazard Ranking (Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..15

Table 3: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe’s Recent Flood History (Washoe County Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16

Table 4: Record of 2016 FMP Meetings………………………………………………………………………………………………..25

Table 5: Floodplain Management Plan Strategy: Modifying Human Susceptibility to Flood Hazards……..29

Table 6: Floodplain Management Plan Strategy: Modifying the Impact of Flooding………………………………35

Table 7: Floodplain Management Plan Strategy: Preserving and Restoring the Floodplain’s Environmental Quality…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..39

Table 8: Floodplain Management Plan Strategy: Modifying Floodwaters………………………………………………41

Table 9: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Floodplain Management Plan Recommendations………………………….44

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ACRONYMS ACE - Annual Chance Exceedance BAER - Burned Area Emergency Response BIA - Bureau of Indian Affairs BMPs - Best Management Practices BOR - Bureau of Reclamation CFS - Cubic feet per second FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency FIFM-TF - Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force FMP - Floodplain Management Plan HUD - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development LPP - Locally Preferred Plan NED - National Economic Development (Plan) NFIP - National Flood Insurance Program PAW - Public Awareness Group PLPT - Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe TAG - Technical Advisory Group WRDA - Water Resources Development Act USACE - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers USGS - U.S. Geological Survey

DEFINITIONS Critical Facility: one that is essential in providing utility or direction either during the response to an emergency or during the recovery buildings such as fire stations, police stations, and emergency shelters. Critical Infrastructure: defined as power sub stations, airports, bridges, and public works. Special Facility: house or serve special needs or vulnerable/at-risk populations that cannot care for themselves during emergencies and/or require unique support services such as schools, child care centers, health care facilities, jails, and senior centers

INTRODUCTION A floodplain management plan (FMP) serves to communicate many important decisions about the use of a floodplain. The FMP includes important historical details, considerations, and an action plan about the activities and features that help manage flood risks. The FMP for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (PLPT) is sponsored by the PLPT, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Nevada Department of Water Resources and the Nevada Division of Emergency Management. Washoe County, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have also actively participated in the development of this FMP. This is a living document for the local communities to use to manage flood hazards for the PLPT. Managing flood risks is a shared responsibility between the PLPT, local communities and State and Federal agencies. Description of the Area The Tribe is located thirty-five miles northeast of Reno, Nevada in a remote desert area located in the counties of Washoe, Lyon, and Storey. The area of the Reservation contains 475,000 acres or 742.2 square miles. Out of this acreage, approximately 112,000 acres cover the surface of a terminal desert lake, Pyramid Lake. Pyramid Lake is one of the most valuable assets of the Tribe and is entirely enclosed within the boundaries of the Reservation. Pyramid Lake is in an elongated intermountain basin between the Virginia Mountains on the West and the Pah Rah Range on the southwest. Pyramid Lake is approximately 15 miles long and 11 miles wide, measuring 300 feet at its deepest point. Pyramid Lake is a sensitive and valuable desert terminus lake sourced by the Truckee River watershed. Figure 1 depicts the Tribe and the surrounding region. The Truckee River Basin watershed encompasses approximately 3,060-square-miles (1,958,400 acres) in portions of Placer, Nevada, Sierra, El Dorado and Alpine Counties in California and Washoe, Pershing, Storey and Douglas Counties in Nevada. This watershed has high resource values, including heavy summer and winter outdoor recreational use, agricultural lands and habitat for State and Federal threatened and endangered species in both California and Nevada. Water releases from Lake Tahoe and other reservoirs are managed to maintain flows in the river to support fisheries and provide critical water supplies for maintenance of the Federally threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout and the Federally endangered Cui-ui populations in Pyramid Lake. Land use and wastewater management decisions throughout the Truckee River Basin greatly impacted the water quality of Pyramid Lake over the last 150 years. More than 30 dams and water supply diversion structures were constructed along the Truckee River during that period. In the 1950s and 1960s, the bed of the Truckee River was blasted, dredged and straightened in an effort to reduce flooding upstream in the Truckee Meadows. Together, these activities adversely impacted the river's ecosystem, significantly reducing the native vegetation that once lined the riverbanks, lowering water levels, eliminating critical habitat and impeding fish spawning. Until

the mid-1940s, the Truckee River fed two lakes. Winnemucca Lake previously received overflow from Pyramid Lake. Water diversions away from Pyramid Lake caused Winnemucca Lake to dry up by the 1940s, and Pyramid Lake’s surface elevation declined as much as 85 feet. Today, approximately 90% of the riparian forest that existed along the river at the beginning of the 20th century has been lost, along with 70% of the hundreds of species of nesting birds that were once common along the river (USACE, 2013).

Figure 1: Map of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Reservation Boundary within the Truckee River Watershed (Appendix A-1) Additionally, during most of the 20th century, an average of 50 percent of the Truckee River flow was diverted from the river causing the lower Truckee River to become erosive as it entrenched to equilibrate to a subsiding Pyramid Lake (USGS, 2013). The formation of an expansive shallow delta was formed at the entrance of Pyramid Lake due to the decline in surface elevation and the deposition of massive amounts of eroded material at the mouth of the Truckee River. There are currently two large structures on the middle and lower reaches of the main stem of the Truckee River - Derby Diversion Dam and Marble Bluff Dam. In 1975, the Marble Bluff Dam was completed and has served to stabilize the extremely erosive river channel upstream of the dam. In recent years, the river downstream of the dam has exhibited signs of reaching some semblance of stability as it has become far less erosive and less braided. The channel has narrowed as vegetation established along its banks.

Downstream from Truckee Meadows, there are numerous diversions from the Truckee River, including several on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation. The largest diversion on the Lower Truckee River is Derby Dam, where water is diverted into the Newlands Project via the Truckee Canal. The 32-mile canal provides irrigation water to lands near Fernley and Hazen in the Truckee Division and to the Lahontan Reservoir for use in the Carson Division, on the Fallon Indian Reservation and on the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. From 1967 to 2000, the average annual discharge from the Truckee Canal as measured at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) gage station near Wadsworth was 161,500 acre-feet. Maximum Newlands Project agricultural demands include 18,520 acre-feet in the Truckee Division and 275,700 acre-feet in the Carson Division. The terminus of the Truckee River is Pyramid Lake. The saline lake, located within the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation, is approximately 25 miles long, ranges from four to 11 miles wide, and covers approximately 108,000 acres at a surface elevation of 3,800 feet mean sea level. At this lake-surface elevation, the lake has a maximum depth of 350 feet and contains approximately 21 million acre-feet of water (USACE, 2013). Figure 2 is a representation of the water inflows and outflows along the Truckee River Basin through Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes. Water Rights Title II of Public Law 101-618, the Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights Settlement Act of 1990 provides direction, authority and a mechanism for resolving conflicts over water rights in the Truckee and Carson River Basins. Public Law 101-618 provides a foundation for the negotiation and development of reservoir and river operating criteria, known as the Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA), to balance interstate and inter-basin allocation of water rights among the many interests competing for Truckee River water. Additionally, the Truckee River Water Quality Settlement Agreement provides for acquisition of water rights to aid in resolving water-quality problems during periods of low flow on the Truckee River in Nevada while simultaneously providing additional water for fish and wildlife resources (TROA 2008).

Land Use Summary The land within the Tribe is used in several different ways. Some land is open space, held undeveloped for either wildlife and people, or wildlife alone. The majority of land on the Reservation is currently grazed by livestock and wildlife. Livestock ranching is the primary use, however heavy grazing by feral horses, mules and burros significantly affects forage and water sources. Range and open lands are shared by 65 other mammal species, including prong-horn antelope, mule deer, bighorn sheep mountain lion, bobcat and coyote. A significant population of American white pelicans nest and brood at Anaho Island, which is a designated national wildlife preserve. The greater sage grouse maintains viable populations in the hills on the west and north sides of the Reservation, and this is considered “important habitat” for the species. Commercial, retail, mining and light industrial activities are present on the Reservation but currently do not compose a significant portion of the urban area. Most developed areas are residences, Tribal facilities and roads. Homes come in the form of single-family houses, multi-family units and

longer-term transient lodging in mobile homes. Some areas in the northeast and northwest corners of the Reservation are significantly barren, being the playa areas of Pleistocene Lakes. Riparian and wetland areas along the Truckee River and mountain creeks play an important role both in Tribal resources and for wildlife habitat. A bicycle trail and telephone/fiber optic communication corridor was established over an abandoned railroad right-of-way and along roadways that traverse between the Reservation’s communities (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 2013).

Truckee River Fish Species Both native and non-native fish species may be found in the Truckee River. Nine of the species found in the Truckee River are native, and the most common include Paiute sculpin, Lahontan redside shiner, Tahoe sucker, speckled dace, and mountain sucker. The mountain whitefish is also common; however, population levels can vary dramatically over time depending on river conditions. Only three or four native species may be sampled together at any particular point along the Truckee River system (USACE, 2013). Many non-native fish species were introduced into the Truckee River Basin since the late 1800s. Rainbow and brown trout are the most prevalent of the non-native fish upstream from Derby Dam and are the focus of the recreational fishery. Brown trout have been observed spawning in the fall, and stream-bred rainbow and brown trout fry have been collected in the Truckee in and around Reno. Natural recruitment of these fish has been supplemented with annual plantings of hatchery-reared individuals in certain areas to improve recreational fishing. Introduced trout are reported to adversely affect the distribution and abundance of native aquatic species in the Sierra Nevada. Endangered Fish Species One of the valuable assets to the Tribe is the Cui-ui, (pronounced kweē-weē). It is a gray-brown fish (Figure 2) weighing up to seven pounds and occupies habitat near the bottom of Pyramid Lake. The Cui-ui and equally notable Pyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat trout (Figure 3) both migrate from Pyramid Lake up the Truckee to spawn during high spring flows. Prior to the 1900s, the Cui-ui traveled as far as 25 miles upstream, and the Pyramid Lake Lahontan cutthroat trout traveled as far as the Sierra Nevada Mountains (National Park Service, 2016). Pyramid Lake and its abundant fish supply have been important resources for human inhabitants for over 4,000 years. The Pyramid Lake Paiute (Kooyooe Ticutta or Cui-ui Eaters) have lived successfully in this area since time immemorial, utilizing the abundant fish as their primary food supply and as an economic resource. During the spawning run, other Paiute bands would join the Kooyooe Ticutta in net fishing at the river delta and participating in the accompanying annual Tribal celebrations. Cui-ui were gathered by the thousands each year and dried up for future use

(National Park Service, 2016). The lake, the Cui-ui and the people are the three central components that define the identity of the PLPT.

Figure 2: Native Cui-ui (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2016) The Cui-ui was listed as a Federally-endangered species in 1967. The Lahontan cutthroat trout was listed as threatened in 1975. Cui-ui spawn in the lower Truckee River, typically between March and July, depending on river flow and access to the river. Spawning and development of eggs and larvae are affected by water depth, velocity, temperature, and quality (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 2016). Several efforts to support the recovery of these species have been developed. Most of these procedures establish river flow capacity targets for the Cui-ui (USGS 1998). Unfortunately, the demand for water in the Truckee River Basin is greater than what can be supplied. Droughts lasting several years, such as the recent drought of the late 1980s through the early 1990s, can cause substantial water shortages, resulting in stressing fish and wildlife ecosystems. In 1940, it was believed the population of Pyramid Lake Lahontan Cutthroat Trout had become extinct. Many public and private groups, as well as the PLPT, have worked to restore Pyramid Lake and recover its fish Figure 3: 28 Pound Lahontan populations. In the 1970s, a new population of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout, 1976 (Pyramid Cutthroat Trout--which genetic studies found to be pure Lake Paiute Tribe, 1976) representatives of the original lake-dwelling trout--was introduced into the lake. In 1975, the BOR completed Marble Bluff Fish Passage Facility, about 3.5 miles upstream from Pyramid Lake (Figure 4). The fishway locks provide a passageway for fish to move from the lake into the river to spawn (Bureau of Reclamation, 2016).

The Marble Bluff Fish Passage Facility recently began an incubation system for Lahontan Cutthroat Trout eggs, which allows the newly hatched trout to be raised in and imprinted with

water from the Truckee River (Figure 4). In 2007, its first year of operation, the incubation system produced approximately 28,400 Lahontan Cutthroat Trout fry, which were stocked into upstream tributaries of the Truckee River (Fish and Wildlife Service, 2016). The news has been positive for the cui-ui, as well, although it still is listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish & Figure 4: Marble Bluff Dam and Fish Passage Facility Wildlife Service. The Lahontan (Bureau of Reclamation, 2016) Cutthroat Trout is listed as threatened. The number of spawn increased steadily throughout the 1990s––from 66,000 in 1994 to 500,000 in 1998. In 2005, the Marble Bluff Fish Passage Facility reported that the run reached 1.2 million (National Park Service, 2016).

The Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2015) also noted that Derby Dam pictured below, as early as 1908, caused problems for the region. Irrigation water from the Truckee did not always drain properly after completion of the dam, and too little was available late in the season. The dam has also adversely impacted the region’s fish population (Figure 5). As irrigation water was diverted from the Truckee River, it lowered the level of Pyramid Lake and caused a large sandbar delta to form at the mouth of the river. Fish migrations were blocked, except in high flow years. The impact of the dam on fish moving upstream to spawn was recognized early on by the BOR, which built a fish ladder at Derby Dam. Despite the BOR’s efforts to provide fish passage, Derby Diversion Dam was one of several significant factors that led, in 1940, to population extinction of the Pyramid Lake Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. By 1967, with increased diversion of Figure 5: Derby Dam (Bureau of Reclamation, 2016) Truckee River water, natural

evaporation from Pyramid Lake and severe droughts, Pyramid Lake reached its lowest level on record at that time - more than 87 feet lower than it was in 1906 - when diversions from Derby Dam began. Marble Bluff Dam manages the sand bar problem on the upper Truckee (National Park Service, 2016).

Vegetation Historically, the Truckee River channel was well connected to its floodplain, resulting in banks and wetland areas that supported abundant willow and cottonwood growth. The dominant riparian tree species existed as structurally complex, multi-canopy forests throughout much of the river corridor. In the last century, riparian and upland vegetation was severely altered as a result of human activities and natural disturbances including agricultural and urban development, timber harvest, fire, landslides, cattle grazing, industrial development and human-made dams and diversions. As a result, the overall quality of the riparian and shrub habitats declined with undesirable weedy species invading a large portion of the floodplain. This is detrimental to natural riverine ecosystem functions. However, in the last decade, some improvements were observed as a result of the implementation of prescribed ecosystem flows (USACE, 2013).

In the lower Truckee River, many of the upland plants that occur are drought tolerant due to the dry climatic conditions. In addition, many plants are tolerant of alkaline and saline soil conditions. Plants with higher moisture requirements are generally found in soils adjacent to the river channel or soils with a higher ground water table. Plants requiring high moisture include rushes, sedges, willows and cottonwoods. Buffaloberry typically occurs as a co-dominant of willow and cottonwood communities. Typical upland plants that are tolerant of semi-arid, saline and alkaline soils include greasewood, sagebrush, bitterbrush, ephedra, rabbitbrush, four-wing saltbush, shadscale and various native grasses (USACE, 2013).

Amphibians and Reptiles Within the Lower Truckee River Reach, the section between Derby Diversion Dam and Pyramid Lake contains the highest observed species diversity of amphibians in the Truckee River system. This is due to the combined effects of sufficient breeding and adult habitat, including ponds for egg and larvae development and a diversity of aquatic and emergent vegetation for cover. A few Northwestern pond turtles inhabit the Truckee River downstream from Vista, including at least one pair in a pond on the McCarran Ranch. Introduced species, such as American bullfrog, are the primary predators on juvenile turtles.

Birds Emergent wetlands, although limited along the Truckee River and tributaries, are highly productive ecosystems that provide food, cover and nesting sites for many species of wildlife. Many populations of emergent wetland bird species declined historically along the Truckee River. A historical pattern of decline is seen in birds associated with scrub-shrub habitats along

the lower Truckee River which are especially important for neo-tropical migratory birds. Fremont cottonwood riparian forest supports the second highest diversity of bird species along the Truckee River. The total number of bird species reported from the lower Truckee River was 107 in 1868 and 65 in the early 1970s, a decline of 40 percent. Surveys during the early 1990s reported a total of 87 species and, 10 years later, 95 bird species were observed, 89 percent of that reported in 1868. While many of the recent additions are either introduced species or species associated with human settlement or agricultural landscapes that were not present in 1868, more than 30 species have either increased in abundance or have reappeared after having been extirpated. Over half of these are associated either with emergent or scrub-shrub wetlands, habitat types that have increased along with other forms of early successional riparian vegetation as a result of supplemental stream flows implemented in the 1980s designed to restore riparian vegetation (USACE, 2013).

Mammals Wetland mammals known or expected to occur along the river and tributaries include muskrat, mink, water shrew, beaver and river otter. Other mammals, including shrews, insectivorous bats, raccoons and skunks may forage on the abundant invertebrates associated with emergent wetlands. Historically, river otters occurred throughout the Truckee River system; however, they are currently believed to be present only along the Truckee River near Wadsworth. Deer also use scrub-shrub wetlands along the Truckee River for cover, forage and fawning. The Loyalton- Truckee mule deer herd spends winters along the Sierras, north and south of Reno, and summers in higher elevation areas throughout the study area. A number of small, scattered resident mule deer herds also occur from Reno to Pyramid Lake. The cottonwood forest along the lower and middle Truckee River provides habitat for mammals that otherwise would not be expected to occur at this elevation, including the mountain cottontail, western harvest mouse, long-tailed vole, western jumping mouse, bushytailed woodrat, porcupine, raccoon, long-tailed weasel and skunk. Four species of bats are also associated with riparian habitat in the Truckee River.

Special Considerations In 1988, the USACE Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project was authorized by Congress for flood risk management and fish and wildlife habitat enhancement. Since the 1990s, there has been strong local interest in reestablishing a “living river” corridor to convey flood flows, reestablish native habitat and restore fish passage along the Truckee River. All of these project purposes were considered as part of the USACE general reevaluation of the project. In recent years, USACE and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, in coordination with the sponsor, the Truckee River Flood Management Authority (TRFMA), decided to give priority to flood risk reduction as the primary planning objective. Measures to avoid or minimize adverse effects on existing habitats and sensitive species, including revegetation, landscaping and erosion protection on project lands were included in the

recommended National Economic Development (NED) plan. The objective of NED is to maximize the net benefits accrued from the outcome of the project. Within USACE, this is done by comparing the difference in the value (benefits) produced by the project to the value of the resources (costs) required to produce those goods and services or construct the project. The NED Plan was authorized by Congress in 2014. The TRFMA is pursuing an alternative to the authorized plan with a locally preferred plan (LPP) that is currently under USACE review (USACE, 2013). The Tribe’s fundamental concerns with both plans include induced flows in the Truckee Meadows and potential changes to water quality conditions that could affect native fisheries. Loss of riparian habitat and disturbance to the river channel during construction, as well as induced flows in the Lower Truckee River Reach, can increase sediment loading and degrade water quality. The Tribe cultivates a successful Lahontan cutthroat trout fishery that provides income from sport fishing, so any negative effects from induced flows could potentially jeopardize an important part of the Tribe’s livelihood. The Tribe is also concerned with the overall environmental effects of the project.

In 2011, the Tribe created the Pyramid Lake Economic Development Plan. The plan was developed to create long-term profit-making opportunities, to create optimum employment opportunities, and to establish a high quality recreation area at Pyramid Lake for the PLPT. The economy of the region is dependent on the recreational draw of Pyramid Lake. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating and camping to both Tribal members and visitors. The lake is also prized for its world class trout fishery for Lahontan cutthroat trout. In the Pyramid Lake Economic Development Plan, the economic goals include establishing a high quality recreation area, protecting the unique and natural ecosystems of Pyramid Lake and its fisheries, and enhancing the awareness and maintaining a positive image of Pyramid Lake. This floodplain management plan can help inform the new development planned to enhance the economic and recreational opportunities for the local communities (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 2010).

The Truckee River Inflows and Outflows are depicted below in Figure 6 to provide a context for water balance within the floodplain.

Figure 6: Truckee River Inflows and Outflows through Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes (Adapted from USGS, 2005)

Purpose of the Floodplain Management Plan The FMP purpose is to attempt to lessen the damaging effects of floods, maintain and enhance natural floodplain values and make effective use of water and related land resources within the floodplain. A community or a coalition of communities with a FMP in place will be sustainable in many viewpoints, regarding its floodplain, including addressing the cumulative effects of development within the floodplain and upstream of locations in the floodplain. Sustainable also means that the community is resilient to the natural occurrence of floods, because it is able to lessen or avoid the impacts of flooding to the economy and lives of those living there. An effective FMP should result in continuing consideration of the flood hazard in the use of land and water resources in the floodplain and providing benefits to all government levels and the public, including: • Reducing loss of life, injury and hardship due to floods; • Reducing flood damages; • Reducing public expenditures for construction of additional flood risk management measures, emergency response actions and post-disaster assistance; and • Preserving and enhancing natural floodplain values for fish and wildlife habitat along with their attendant benefits of groundwater recharge, moderation of floods, water quality improvement and reduced erosion and sedimentation. A FMP attempts to balance benefits obtainable from use of the floodplain with potential losses arising from such use. The comprehensive nature of such a plan stresses consideration of the full range of structural and nonstructural measures potentially useful in achieving its objectives. The concepts contained in this guidance were developed to closely follow the 1994 Unified National Program for Floodplain Management and to ensure compatibility with the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. Effective management of both floodplains and floodwaters can break the cycle of damage and rebuild. A dedicated effort allows the government to break the cycle of damage and rebuild and get to a sustainable flood risk management cycle (Figure 7) and a resilient community. The most difficult challenge is gaining acceptance of which of the strategies and tools for reducing flood risks is best. Figure 8 illustrates that lower Figure 7: Sustainable Flood Risk levels of risk require increasing involvement from Management Cycle the community. The stakeholders must be involved in the decision-making process, because flood risk management is a shared responsibility.

Flood risk management is a constant effort that requires staff dedicated to the work. The work includes building features that manage floodwaters and also conducting a variety of floodplain management activities. Floodplain management plans are a shared planning methodology that document a community’s approach to drive down flood risks. These plans serve to show a decision history reached over long periods of time. These long periods can often overlap the careers of many different people in the communities, including professional staff. The floodplain management plan serves to operationalize flood risk management for the long-term benefit of a community.

Figure 8: Flood Risk Management Tools Associated Implementation Responsibility The Tribe, county and Federal planners prepared this FMP in accordance with Federal standards. These standards originated with Executive Order 11988, issued in 1977. The standards are consistent with Public Law 104-303 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 1996, which amends Section 402 of the WRDA of 1986 (also see 33 U.S.C. 701b-12; 100 Stat. 4133). Figure 9 is an excerpt from the Federal requirement. At a minimum, the FMP has components that comply with the USACE planning guidance for floodplain management plans similar to those required for USACE funded flood risk management projects.

Note that the after effect of wildfires includes more severe flash flooding due to changed conditions to the watershed. Those changes can include loss of tree canopy and groundwater infiltration may be affected as well. Flash-flooding can be a problem post-wildfire, for about a three-year period or longer, depending on the time necessary to re-establish vegetation. In July 2016, a lightning strike started the Tule Fire and burned over 30,000 acres along Pyramid Lake. The Sutcliffe community was evacuated during the fire, and some homes and structures were destroyed. Pyramid Lake was closed to the public for recreation due to safety concerns from the fire. The area is currently at risk from flash floods and debris flows. Debris flows may also compromise the water quality in Pyramid Lake. The Tribe received some assistance from the

U.S. Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) program, but more support may be necessary in the future.

SECTION 202( c ) OF WRDA 1996 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLANS c) Floodplain Management Plans. (1) In general. --Section 402 of such Act (33 U.S.C. 701b-12; 100 Stat. 4133) is amended to read as follows: SEC. 402. FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS. a) Compliance With Floodplain Management and Insurance Programs. –Before construction of any project for local flood protection, or any project for hurricane or storm damage reduction, that involves Federal assistance from the Secretary, the non-Federal interest shall agree to participate in and comply with applicable Federal floodplain management and flood insurance programs. b) Floodplain Management Plans. --Within 1 year after the date of signing a project cooperation agreement for construction of a project to which subsection a) applies, the non- Federal interest shall prepare a floodplain management plan designed to reduce the impacts of future flood events in the project area. Such plan shall be implemented by the non-Federal interest not later than 1 year after completion of construction of the project. c) Guidelines. -- (1) In general. --Within 6 months after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall develop guidelines for preparation of floodplain management plans by non-Federal interests under subsection b). Such guidelines shall address potential measures, practices, and policies to reduce loss of life, injuries, damages to property and facilities, public expenditures, and other adverse impacts associated with flooding and to preserve and enhance natural floodplain values. (2) Limitation on statutory construction. --Nothing on this subsection shall be construed to confer any regulatory authority upon the Secretary or the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. d) Technical Support. --The Secretary may provide technical support to a non-Federal interest for a project to which subsection a) applies for the development and implementation of plans prepared under subsection b). (2) Applicability. --The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply to any project or separable element thereof with respect to which the Secretary and the non-Federal interest have not entered into a project cooperation agreement on or before the date of the enactment of this Act.

Figure 9: Federal Requirement for Floodplain Management Plans from the 1996 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) (amending the 1986 WRDA).

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS OF THE FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT PLAN FMPs focus on flood hazard mitigation. The overall process begins with an assessment of flood hazards as described below, detailing loss of life or property damage. Majority of the hazard assessment was taken from the 2015 Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Appendix B. The mechanism of developing a complete FMP also includes a public involvement process, a public involvement plan which includes a communication plan between participants. The FMP is a living document, to be revisited on an annual basis by the Tribe to ensure the involvement of the surrounding community, and that updates to the status for measures identified as priority are properly detailed within the Tribe’s Action Plan. Future Conditions The SECURE Water Act Section 9503(C) - Reclamation Climate Change and Water (2011) by the Department of the Interior characterizes the impact of warmer temperatures to changes in precipitation and snowpack, and changes to the timing and quantity of streamflow runoff across the West. For the Truckee River Basin, the report indicates the the seasonality of runoff is projected to change. Warming is expected to lead to more rainfall-runoff during the cool season rather than snowpack accumulation. This conceptually leads to increases in December–March runoff and decreases in April–July runoff. Focusing on December–March seasonal runoff, results show an increased mean seasonal volume by the 2020s and a trend toward greater increases by the 2070s in all of the subbasins. Focusing on April–July seasonal runoff, results show declines in April–July runoff, as projected warming leads to not only spring snowpack decline but with a corresponding reduction in spring–summer runoff. Climate change in relation to acute runoff events relevant to Truckee River flood control and ecosystem management is of high interest, although there is less certainty in the analysis of these types of acute events relative to effects in annual or seasonal runoff. Generally speaking, streamflow variability over the basin is expected to continue under changing climate conditions (Bureau of Reclamation, 2011).

Since the Truckee River headwaters lie along the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada, this will greatly impact the flood risk for people living downstream along the Truckee River. The areas susceptible to flooding discussed under this plan are floodplains within the Tribe and the Truckee River from Wadsworth to Vista (see map plates in Appendix A-10 through A-16).

The 2015 Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan assigned vulnerability ratings in which the Washoe County Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee prioritized hazards by their total impact in the community. The committee rated each hazard by analyzing the historical occurrence of each respective hazard, the potential area of impact when the disaster occurred and the magnitude. Hazards of the same magnitude and frequency can occur in similar sized areas; however, the overall impact to the areas would be different because of population densities and property values in the areas impacted. Please see Table 1 for the scoring criteria. Upon obtaining total scores for each hazard, the Planning Committee utilized the scores to analyze and prioritize the hazards. Table 2 provides a summary of the hazards scoring results of the Tribe.

Table 1: Vulnerability Ratings Rubric (Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015) Frequency Magnitude/Severity Warning Duration Time Lowest 1 1000+ years 1-5% Damaged; No deaths; > 48 hours 1-3 days Risk Local 2 100-1000 5-15%; No deaths; 24 to 48 hours 4-7 days years City/Community 3 10-100 years 15-30%; < 5 Death; County 12 to 24 hours 8-14 days 4 5-10 years 30-50%; > 5 Deaths; State 6 to 12 hours 15-20 days Highest 5 0-5 years 50+%; Significant Deaths; < 6 hours 20+ days Risk Region IX

Table 2: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Hazard Ranking (Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015)

Very High Risk High Risk Moderate Risk Low Risk Drought Infectious Disease Hazardous Materials Avalanche Earthquake Energy Emergency Severe Storms Volcano Flood Nuclear Waste Transport Civil Disorder Wildland Fire Terrorism/Acts of Violence

The results indicated that the probability of future flood events is “Very High,” with greater than 36 percent chance of flood events occurring in any given year. There were more than a dozen occurrences of flash and storm-water floods in a last 12 years, indicating that the probability of future events of flash and storm-water floods is very high. The prediction of weather patterns favorable for flash flooding advanced in recent years, such that a general warning can be given one to three days in advance in areas around the country. However, due to the localized nature of thunderstorms that create flash floods in Washoe County, the current predictability of specific flash flooding is at most limited to about 15 to 45 minutes of warning and is sometimes zero. Floodplain Hazard Assessment Due to its location in the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Washoe County is vulnerable to riverine floods by the Truckee River flowing from the Sierras, through the southern, most populated area of the county, into Pyramid Lake. Summer flash floods occur from overflowing creeks, washes and drainages. The following sub-sections describe the flood hazards and history for different reaches along the Truckee River into Pyramid Lake and drainage areas of concern. The following reaches were identified by the Technical Advisory Group due to known flood risk and cultural resource areas. Reach 1 is the Truckee River from Pyramid Lake to Wadsworth. Downstream, Reach 2 is the Truckee River from Wadsworth to Vista. Reach 3 is Hardscrabble Creek, which historically flooded the town of Sutcliffe as shown in Appendix A-3.

Flood History The Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2015) states that there were 28 flooding events in Washoe County from 1995-2014. PLPT’s risk of significant flood hazards include a high risk of 1 percent Annual Chance Exceedance (ACE) to 0.2 percent ACE events (1 percent ACE is 100-year return frequency whereas 0.2 percent ACE is a 500-year return frequency). Localized floods, dam failure and wildland fire, which exacerbate flooding events, are also high risks for the Tribe. The Tribe experienced a 1 percent ACE flood event in 1997 that caused extreme damage on the reservation where the PLPT received FEMA emergency response assistance. Pyramid Lake and the Truckee River are likely to flood in the event of heavy precipitation. The region also experiences small local events, most of which are floods caused by heavy rains that flood the irrigation canals, which can plug up with small debris from the rain runoff. One such drainage along Hardscrabble Canyon Road has caused flooding in Sutcliffe. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) of FEMA has not mapped the floodplain in the PLPT Reservation. The Tribe is currently not participating in the NFIP. Washoe County does provide aerial maps that can be accessed online to get a sense of the floodplain and floodway within the area at http://wcgisweb.washoecounty.us/fema. Table 3 and Figure 6 show past flooding occurrences as documented in the Washoe County Hazard Mitigation Plan (2015) with detailed descriptions below. Table 3: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe’s Recent Flood History (Washoe County Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015)

Month Year Water Body Flood Event January 1995 Western Drainage Localized flooding January 1997 Truckee River 1% (100-year return frequency)* April 2006 Truckee River Localized flood February 2008 Truckee River Flash flood June 2011 Western Drainage 1 to 1.5 inches of precipitation June 2013 Truckee River Localized flood *Estimated probability of occurrence in each year limited by uncertainty in the period of record and current data

Figure 10: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe's Recent Flood History Timeline (Adapted from the Washoe County Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015)

Community Assets According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2016), there are 1,145 people who currently live within the reservation. The facilities and infrastructure that support these communities could be compromised in a flood event. Updated floodplain mapping can identify specifically what facilities are at risk of flooding. However, even if these facilities are at not at risk of flooding, access can be compromised in a flood event. This is important when determining evacuation routes and emergency planning procedures. A critical facility may be defined as one that is essential in providing utility or direction either during the response to an emergency or during the recovery (i.e. fire stations, police stations, emergency shelters, etc.). Critical infrastructure include facilities such as power sub stations, airports, bridges and public works. Special facilities are those that house or serve special needs or vulnerable/at-risk populations that cannot care for themselves during emergencies and/or require unique support services such as schools, child care centers, health care facilities, jails and senior centers. These facilities are shown in various plates of Appendix A. Critical infrastructure, critical facilities and special facilities as recorded in the in the Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan are shown in Appendix A-2. Much of the economy on the Tribe is focused on recreational activities and fishing centered on Pyramid Lake. Flooding cannot only cause initial problems for residents’ health and safety, but can also can cause long-term damage to local economies. Impacts to roads, bridges and infrastructure can affect the local economy, and other flooding problems related to sediment, erosion and pollution can affect the long-term health of Pyramid Lake and its recreational benefit to the Tribe and visitors. In addition to the remarkable natural resources of the area, cultural resources are also important along the river reaches and in the general area. Erosion and pollution can adversely affect cultural resources. The promotion of recreational opportunities must also be sensitive to areas that are culturally significant to the Tribe and areas may be defined where tourists are not permitted. Ecosystem restoration effects can focus on protecting cultural resources and promoting the reestablishment of culturally significant plant and animal species. Description of Flood Areas of the Concern The river reaches, represented in Appendix A-3, show different areas where PLPT has historically experienced flooding. The sections below further describe and identify the risks associated with each reach subject to flooding. Inundation maps from the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project are attached as Appendix A and are referenced for each reach. These maps depict the flood depths during a 1 percent Annual Chance Exceedance (ACE) flood event. The reach between Marble Bluff and Pyramid Lake was not included in the project’s floodplain modeling, and therefore, is not included. However, from aerial photos available on the Washoe County website, it is possible to generally characterize the floodplain within that area and other areas as needed in future updates of the FMP until official inundation maps can be developed.

Note: Other cultural and historic resources subject to flooding were identified, but their locations were not disclosed to protect the Tribe’s privacy. These include Traditional Hunting and Gathering Places and Petroglyphs. Reach 1: 25-mile reach from Pyramid Lake traversing upstream to below Wadsworth, Nevada 1. Identification of the Area. Reach 1 includes the final 25-mile segment of the lower Truckee River Basin from Pyramid Lake traversing a long, broad, alluvial valley upstream to below Wadsworth, Nevada. This portion of the basin also includes the Pyramid Lake basin. To the east over the Lake Range is the dry Winnemucca Lake basin (Appendix A-4 through A-9). 2. Culturally Significant Resources. Pyramid Lake (including Needles) and Stone Mother, and the Cui-ui and Lahontan Trout (endangered fish species) are culturally significant resources.

3. Source of the Problem. The main source of flood risk for this reach is the Truckee River. Year-to-year variations in precipitation cause wide swings in river flows, leading to potential imbalances. For example, in very wet years, major floods occurred along the lower Truckee River. Climate-related changes are predicted, which include increases in storm intensity and duration. These conditions make it harder to predict the potential frequency, duration, intensity and extent of floods along the Truckee River. Drought is also a problem. With a total storage capacity of less than two times the average inflow volumes, the ability of the Truckee reservoir system to provide adequate storage over a protracted drought is limited. Recent studies indicate that potential climate changes in the Truckee watershed may result in droughts of greater severity and duration. Paleo-records indicate that Lake Tahoe has regularly experienced extremely low water periods, suggesting that similar decades-long droughts may recur in the future. When droughts occur, the resulting low river water levels also adversely affect agriculture, fresh-water migrating fish, resident fish and domestic water supplies (Bureau of Reclamation, 2016). 4. Flood Data. Currently there is no floodplain mapping of the area. Inundation maps provided by the Truckee Meadows Project are provided in Appendix A - Reach 1. Washoe County has aerials that provide information to characterize the floodplain and floodway.

5. Recent Flood History. See above timeline for flood history of Nixon, Nevada, which is located in this reach. 6. Environmental Concerns. The Tribe’s Natural Resources Department and Environmental Department will provide comments to be entered here. 7. Land Use and Building Data. Marble Bluff Dam is located at the end of the reach, which includes Marble Bluff Fish Facility and Pyramid Lake Fishway. The community of Nixon, Nevada is included in this reach. Alfalfa fields are also grown here. The Tribe’s Realty Department will provide further comments to be entered here.

8. Development Trends. PLPT has been diligent in not developing in the known floodway. There are plans for economic growth that should be monitored and regulated by the Tribe to ensure safety of infrastructure and vulnerable populations. 9. Development Constraints. The Tribe’s Realty Department will provide further comments to be entered here.

10. Community Assets. Further information available in Appendix B of Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2015).

Name of Asset Type Marble Bluff Dam Critical Infrastructure Cui-ui Endangered Species Lahonton Cut Throat Trout Endangered Species Pyramid Lake Police Department Critical Facility Pyramid Lake Health Clinic Special Facility Pyramid Lake Tribal Offices Critical Facility Pyramid Lake Gym, Nixon (alternate EOC) Critical Facility Wells in Nixon Critical Infrastructure Nixon Day Care Special Facility Needles, Stone Mother and Pyramid in Lake Cultural and Historic Alfalfa Fields Economic

Reach 2: 30-mile reach from Wadsworth to Vista 1. Identification of the Area. The 30-mile reach from Wadsworth upstream to Vista through the lower Truckee River canyon, cutting through the Virginia Mountain Range (Appendix A-10 through A-15). 2. Culturally Significant Resources. Vista Reef is a culturally significant resource. 3. Source of the Problem. Same as Reach 1. 4. Flood Data. Currently there is no floodplain mapping of the area. Inundation maps provided by the Truckee Meadows Project are provided in Appendix A - Reach 2. Washoe County has aerials that provide information to characterize the floodplain and floodway. 5. Recent Flood History. See above timeline for flood history of Wadsworth, Nevada, which is located in this reach. 6. Environmental Concerns. The PLPT, the Nature Conservancy and other partners are currently working on ecosystem restoration projects along the Truckee River. Some of the projects are shown in Figure 22. So far, five properties have been restored — McCarran Ranch Preserve, Lockwood, 102 Ranch, Mustang Ranch, and the Tracy Reach—and additional restoration is underway at the west end of the McCarran Ranch Preserve. More than ten river miles were restored, including the addition of 19 new

wetlands, 13 new river meanders, 31 in-stream riffles and approximately 400 acres of revegetation (The Nature Conservancy, 2016). These efforts can help to reduce flood risks downstream by increasing the capacity of the river upstream and reducing the flow during high flow years. The restoration efforts completed to-date are showing incredible results. Birds, including the willow flycatcher and the western bluebird, have been spotted at restored areas after being absent for several decades. Trout and other native fish are using the restored river channels according to surveys by the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Tall whitetop, a tough invasive weed prevalent on the Truckee River, was reduced by about 95% in the first areas restored and was significantly reduced throughout the restoration sites (The Nature Conservancy, 2016). Additionally, the Lockwood, Mustang Ranch and 102 Ranch properties will support traditional Tribal cultural practices of gathering culturally significant plants (BOR and BLM, 2008). 7. Land Use and Building Data. Alfalfa fields are grown within this reach and provide economic benefit to the Tribe. This reach is also much more populated and includes the community of Wadsworth, NV. The Tribe’s Realty Department will provide further comments to be entered here. 8. Development Trends. Due to the economic downturn, development in the last five years was minimal. The Tribe created an economic development plan that will expand commercial businesses into the Wadsworth area. They are in the early stages of replacing all sewer lines in the Wadsworth area to accommodate this anticipated commercial growth. The water lines were replaced and updated to better serve the community. The Wadsworth community sits in a low area that experienced flooding in years past. The 1997 flood sent a large amount of water down the river, which runs through the Wadsworth community causing extensive flooding in the Wadsworth area . Prior to development of this area, a flood risk management project will need to be developed and then completed to protect this community in the future (Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015). 9. Development Constraints. The Tribe’s Realty Department will provide further comments to be entered here. 10. Community Assets. Further information is available in Appendix B of the Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2015).

Name of Asset Type Wadsworth Day Care Special Facility Natchez Elementary School Special Facility Lincoln Highway Bridge, Wadsworth Critical Infrastructure Sewer Lagoon and Lift Stations, Wadsworth Critical Infrastructure Paiute Pipe Line Critical Infrastructure Highways 447, 446 and 445 Critical Infrastructure Wells in Wadsworth Critical Infrastructure Wadsworth Justice Court Critical Facility Numaga Senior Center Special Facility

Alfalfa Fields Economic

Reach 3: Hardscrabble Creek through Sutcliffe, NV into Pyramid Lake 1. Identification of the Area. Hardscrabble Creek is 8.7 miles long and flows through Sutcliff into Pyramid Lake (Figure 11 below). Floodplain mapping has never occurred around Sutcliffe for Hardscrabble Creek. The creek historically flooded the town of Sutcliffe. With recent fires, debris flow due to flooding is a major concern. Updated floodplain mapping for the Truckee River should include mapping for the region around Hardscrabble Creek (Appendix A-16). 2. Culturally Significant Resources. Pyramid Lake is a culturally significant resource. 3. Source of the Problem. Heavy rains that flood the creek and send down debris and severe winter storms are the source of the flooding problem. 4. Flood Data. Currently there is no floodplain mapping of the area. Inundation maps provided by the Truckee Meadows Project are provided in Appendix A - Reach 3. Washoe County also has aerials that provide information to characterize the floodplain and floodway. 5. Recent Flood History. See above timeline for flood history of Sutcliffe, Nevada, which is located in this reach. 6. Environmental Concerns. Hardscrabble Creek is monitored by the Tribe’s water quality program. Physical Habitat & Bioassessment monitoring began in 2002 in the lower portion of Hardscrabble Creek. Physical Habitat & Bioassessments are conducted annually during the month of April or May, depending on flows. Physical Habitat assessments are conducted within a 150 meter reach of the river. Water samples, stream measurements and benthic macroinvertebrates are collected at the mid-point of the reach (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 2016). The Tribe’s Natural Resources Department and Environmental Department will provide comments to be entered here. 7. Land Use and Building Data. This area is a very popular recreation site. Sutcliffe, Nevada, is a small community that experiences flooding. The Tribe’s Realty Department will provide further comments to be entered here.

8. Development Trends. New housing developments are proposed in the Sutcliffe area. Existing hazards were considered for each of the above future development sites. Future development will be required to meet building code requirements and zoning ordinances that will mitigate hazard impacts (Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2015). 9. Development Constraints. The Tribe’s Realty Department will provide further comments to be entered here. Figure 11: Hardscrabble Creek through Sutcliffe, NV (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 2016) 10. Community Assets. Further information available in Appendix B of Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2015).

Name of Asset Type Sewer Plant and Lift Station, Sutcliffe Critical Infrastructure Wells in Sutcliffe Critical Infrastructure Pyramid Lake Fire Department Critical Facility

Public Involvement Process This section describes the two-tiered approach utilized in the development of this hazard assessment through the establishment of interagency collaborations between local, state and Federal entities and the Tribe through the Tribe’s approved Silver Jackets Interagency Project Proposal for 2016. Participation of those affected by the risk and the management of the floodplain is critical in developing effective decision-making for the Tribe. The two-tiered approach, described below, informs the Tribe’s next steps in implementing and improving upon the FMP through the use of an Action Plan in an effort to protect the people and the cultural and economic investments by reducing flood risk.

Pyramid Lake Paiute Technical Advisory Group - 2016 The first tier effort is the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), a planning group established by the Tribe in 2016 as part of a Silver Jackets interagency Project. This group helped guide the development of the 2016 FMP through a series of conference calls and workgroup sessions. Partners for the 2016 FMP were: • PLPT – Natural Resources Department and Emergency Management • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District • Nevada Department of Water Resources • Nevada Division of Emergency Management • Washoe County • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Pyramid Lake Paiute Public Awareness Work Group (PAW) - 2016 The Public Awareness Workgroup (PAW) is envisioned to consist of different people living, working, or otherwise related to the Truckee Watershed Boundary that can allow individuals to provide feedback to the TAG in developing the project elements and informing the public. This would be active for a shorter amount of time than the TAG. This would be a more targeted outreach than just having a public meeting, where representatives of organizations within the Tribe would be invited and then asked to invite their constituents to an Open House after the individuals on the PAW provided feedback on the flood risk management measures (strategies and tools).. For the 2016 FMP the TAG was only able to hold one joint PAW and Open House on November 4th, 2016, inviting everyone to learn about the FMP and provide comments of their experience with flood risk in the area. See Appendix C for a summary of findings from this meeting. Ideally for future updates 3 meetings would be best for PAW meetings and associated Open Houses. Identified members for consideration in future PAW meetings are, but are not limited to: • A representative of any listed Critical or Special Facility • Various Tribal Departments (ex. Realty & Environmental Department) • Truckee River Floodplain Management Authority • Big Bend RV Park (Managed by PLPT Realty Department) • I-80 Smokeshop Campground • Marina RV (Managed by PLPT Realty Department) • Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway • Pyramid Lake Museum and Visitors Center Gift Shop • The Nixon Store • Tribal Member Owned Businesses: http://pyramidlake.us/pyramid-lake-business- directory.html • Pyramid Lake Cooperative Cattlemen's Association (PLA)

Table 4. Record of 2016 FMP Meetings and Milestones Meeting / Milestone Name Location Date Technical Advisory Group Conference Call February 2, 2016 Technical Advisory Group Conference Call March 14, 2016 Technical Advisory Group Conference Call March 28, 2016 Technical Advisory Group Conference Call April 11, 2016 Technical Advisory Group Conference Call June 13, 2016 Technical Advisory Group Conference Call July 18, 2016 Technical Advisory Group Conference Call September 19, 2016 Technical Advisory group PLPT October 18, 2016 Public Open House (inviting PAW) PLPT November 4, 2016 Tribal Council Briefing PLPT November 16, 2016 Technical Advisory Group Conference Call November 21, 2016 Tribal Council Public Review PLPT January, 2017 Tribal Council Resolution to Adopt PLPT February, 2017 Tribe submits 2017 Silver Jackets PLPT March, 2017 Proposal

Public Involvement Plan Public outreach will be a continual process, and annual awareness campaigns are highly recommended. A public involvement plan would aid in this effort. The USACE Nonstructural Flood Proofing Committee provided an example for the Tribe to consider in their future planning for public involvement as a key component for the Tribe’s Action Plan (Appendix D). Communication Plan For this first draft of the FMP, a TAG Charter was not pursued since the majority of the effort was constructing a sufficient working draft of the FMP. It is recommended for future iterations for maintaining the FMP that a Communication Plan be implemented where roles and responsibilities are clearly identified for each participating partner in the TAG and PAW and all other stakeholders. An example of a communication plan as shown in roles and responsibilities of these entities is included in as part of the Public Involvement Plan in Appendix D.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES This section presents the goals and objectives that are based on the outcomes of the TAG Workgroup Session at the Tribe’s Natural Resources Department on October 18th, 2016. Below are the results for how to manage the shared flood risks. It is important to reaffirm these goals as annual revisions are made due to changing needs and circumstances. These goals were developed to guide the planning and decisions regarding the strategies and tools discussed in later sections of this FMP.

Goal 1 Develop a collaborative, multi-jurisdictional approach to manage the floodplains and address flood risks and concerns along the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake which, would be led and managed by the PLPT. The multi-jurisdictional approach should encompass public stakeholders, Tribal, local, State and Federal agencies.

1.1 Objective: Establish a Tribal-led, multi-agency supported organizational framework to facilitate ongoing collaboration, coordination and discussion of floodplain management issues and activities. 1.2 Objective: Review FMP, update Action Plan, adopt and implement PLPT FMP. Goal 2 Actively manage and reduce the flood risks along the Truckee River to protect life and property. 2.1 Objective: Reduce risk to life, property and the economy to acceptable levels identified by the community and Tribal policy makers. 2.2 Objective: Identify and mitigate damage in repetitive loss areas. 2.3 Objective: Revise floodplain and subdivision policies and regulations to better prepare for and protect against flooding issues. 2.4 Objective: Identify and understand the unique flood risks associated with the Truckee River Watershed related to flood risk for the PLPT. Goal 3 Improve the public’s understanding of flood risks along the Truckee River and the impacts of those risks on residents, property owners and businesses. 3.1 Objective: Develop a range of educational tools to inform the Tribal members, Tribal officials and interested parties (i.e. land assignment owners, general public and tourists) of the flood risks and the unique characteristics of the Truckee River to promote floodplain stewardship and connect Tribal members to the riparian environments.

3.2 Objective: Develop a range of educational and informational tools between the Federal Government (i.e. USACE and HUD), the Tribe and local media outlets to advance communication before, during and after a flood events. 3.3 Objective: Installation of an early warning siren and voice modulated system in the Reservation; expand it to include the National Weather Service and Regional Notification System for Washoe County. 3.4 Objective: Coordinate an emergency preparedness and evacuation plan with Tribal, Federal, State and business partners (i.e. radio and television stations) for residents and property owners within the floodplain. Goal 4 Create a balance between the development needs of the Tribe and the proper functions of the natural floodplains along the river. 4.1 Objective: Implement appropriate policies and ordinances that incorporate a Community Base Floodplain and address needs of existing properties. 4.2 Objective: Implement appropriate Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water quality for new and redeveloped Tribal, public and private projects. 4.3 Objective: Encourage BMPs for water quality related to agricultural and range land. 4.4 Objective: Identify and preserve undeveloped land critical to the integrity and maintenance of the Tribe’s infrastructure. Goal 5 Protect and preserve cultural resources and the natural environmental of the riparian corridor to enhance habitat connectivity, water quality, erosion and sediment management, bank and channel stabilization and provide compatible recreation opportunities. 5.1 Objective: Implement appropriate BMPs, regulations and guidelines to stabilize channel and stream banks, protect wildlife and habitat, conserve open space and re-establish riparian corridors. 5.2 Objective: Research, plan and implement ways to restore the natural functions of floodplains including the storage capacity, when appropriate. 5.3 Objective: Identify compatible recreation opportunities in Pyramid Lake to promote tourism. 5.4 Objective: Reestablish culturally significant native plant species along the river to connect Tribal members to the floodplains.

STRATEGIES AND TOOLS The TAG considered a long list of strategies and tools. This section serves to describe the reasons for inclusion or rejection of those tools. The PLPT FMP categorizes the list of strategies and tools in the following categories:

• Flood Risk Adaptive Measures • Preserving and Restoring Floodplains’ Environmental Quality • Modifying Floodwaters • Modifying the Impact of Flooding These strategy categories and subsequent tools were created by the Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force (FIFM-TF) during the formation of a Unified National Program for Floodplain Management. The four strategy categories and corresponding tools are the “measures” that the flood risk management professional refers to with very deliberate terminology, because these will lead to the eventual action items in the FMP. That terminology serves to clarify that the measures fall under the category of either an “activity” or a “feature.” An activity is an effort done by the Tribe, counties or partnering state and Federal agencies to better understand the flood risks, to reduce the risk and to manage risk in the long-term. Examples of an activity could be an informational outreach program, an updated study of a flood-prone area and an emergency action plan. Features are actual construction projects to a property or properties that an individual can undertake, or the Tribe, counties or partnering agencies can perform. Features can include major civil works projects such as levees, or a smaller “flood risk adaptive measure,” such as elevating an existing home or business. USACE typically calls these smaller features “nonstructural measures.” This term originates from FEMA policy, but the term can be confusing. The PLPT FMP refers to these type of features as “modifying human susceptibility to flood hazards.” Stakeholders will view each tool differently and consensus has to be established over time. The TAG only including the Tribe POC, USACE, and NV DWR did an initial evaluation of each of the possible tools that are detailed below. Further involvement of stakeholders through public involvement in the decision process is needed for a more in depth screening and prioritization of the tools. Each tool was evaluated for its appropriateness for the Tribe and identified as one of the following:

• Not Recommended (NR) • Further Evaluation Needed (FEN) • Effective (E) o Effective is an already implemented tool, that is, features constructed and ongoing activities are being done. This is important for decision history to know Operation, Maintenance, Rehab, Repair, Replacement costs for features or program funding needed for activities such as Land Use Policies and Ordinances.

• Recommended (R) o Recommended is not yet an implemented tool but a needed action to be done to work towards establishment of a tool, such as voting by Tribal Council to fund a tool or a tool that is awaiting a budget to fund it in the next year.

These terms help interested parties to better understand the decision history for flood risk management. This decision history is an important part of the floodplain management plan, because a community’s unique story is made up of a risk assessment followed by years of decisions about how to manage floodwaters and the floodplain. The specific terms also help improve public involvement. The terms can be applied by specific reaches or locations. Since the Tribal members need to be involved with defining their individual tolerable level of risk, these terms facilitate buy-in and get the community focused on the actual action items identified later in this plan. These action items eventually lead to more effective hazard mitigation by the Tribe, the counties and even state and Federal agencies, whom are all partners sharing the responsibility of reducing the risks from natural hazards, like flooding. This approach allows a FMP to be established and work to begin on realizing the goals of the plan. The Tribe can work on annual revisions to the FMP and update evaluations on the tools. Over a period of several years, consensus will be established and a collaborative approach to building projects can be achieved, effectively leveraging the infrastructure dollars in the Tribe and Counties, to do shared, heavy lifting needed to implement various tools in the menu. Strategy: Modifying Human Susceptibility to Flood Hazards This strategy and set of tools has to do with measures directed toward managing the floodplain. These measures include these specific activities: land use policy and ordinances, redevelopment policies, flood warning systems and flood emergency preparedness plans (including emergency action plans and flood fighting plans). These measures include these features: flood-proofing buildings in the floodplain, berms and floodwalls for buildings, elevation of buildings, fill basement with main floor addition for buildings, acquisition of buildings (for demolition) and relocation of buildings. With this deliberate referencing to terminology under both activities and features, the reader will begin to see that FMPs, emergency action plans and flood fighting plans are not the same. Below are the findings of the TAG during workgroup session assessing tools in all three reaches. Table 5: Floodplain Management Plan Strategy: Modifying Human Susceptibility to Flood Hazards Strategy: Reach 2 Modifying Human Reach 1 30-mile reach Reach 3 Susceptibility to Flood 25-mile reach from from Hardscrabble Creek Hazards Pyramid Lake to Wadsworth to through Sutcliffe into below Wadsworth Vista Pyramid Lake Tool: Land Use Ordinances and Policy R R R

Tool: Redevelopment Policies FEN FEN FEN Tool: Flood Warning Systems R R R Tool: Flood Emergency Preparedness Plans (EPPs/EAPS) R R R Tool: Flood Proofing Buildings In The Floodplain R R R Tool: Berms and Floodwalls for Buildings NR NR NR Tool: Elevation of Buildings FEN FEN FEN Tool: Relocation of Buildings FEN FEN FEN Tool: Process for Relocation of Structures FEN FEN FEN

Tool: Land Use Policy and Ordinances Recommended Land use policies and ordinances can be used to implement a wide variety of site and building requirements, restrictions and prohibitions to protect new developments as well as existing developments. Some options to include in future policies and ordinance could include:

• Limit development in the: • Floodway • Historical Flood Areas • 1 percent Annual Chance Floodplain • Future Conditions Floodplain • Establish higher standard floodplain regulations • Limit repair/improvements of existing structures in the floodplain • Establish Comprehensive Plan policies showing appropriate redevelopment areas outside of floodplain

Tool: Flood Warning Systems Recommended Flood warning systems are a flood risk adaptive measure and are categorized as both an activity and a feature. Flood warning systems include several components, and these are usually part of a process written into a plan (not to be confused with this FMP). The first component is a flood threat recognition system. Next, a warning dissemination serves for risk communication. Emergency response follows and should be integrated prior to use through a plan. This means collaborative involvement across several communities of practice, including emergency responders, public works and staff charged with operation and maintenance for flood features like levees or dams. Two later components are post-flood recovery and continued plan management. Because a flood warning system depends on an emergency action plan, the tool is not simply a feature. The activity of maintaining a plan, doing flood event simulations or table-

top exercises annually, for example, make this an on-going activity. The TAG is currently investigating a reverse 911 system Washoe County uses outside of the Tribe to see if the system could be implemented within the Reservation. Floodplain Mapping Floodplain mapping consists of a series of maps that help communicate where flooding may occur over a range of river levels. Floodplain maps help communities to understand their flood risk and make cost-effective mitigation decisions. These maps can be used for preparing and planning for floods, managing flood risk, educating communities about flood hazards and environmental and ecological assessments. The maps can portray flood boundaries and inundations illustrating the depth of flooding during different levels of events. This FMP highly recommends pursuing updated floodplain mapping for the PLPT. Appendix 2 includes recommended resources for funding for floodplain mapping, including the Silver Jackets program which funded this FMP and the USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Program. Warning Dissemination, Flood Warning Lights A flood risk communication tool, such as flood warning lights on roadways, can serve to notify traffic to turn around to avoid high water on roadways. This warning system can help motorists avoid becoming trapped in moving water. Areas along the Truckee River and Hardscrabble Creek may benefit from a flood warning light system for motorists. Warning Dissemination, Multi-Media As a flood risk communication tool, multi-media approaches have technologically advanced considerably, although other traditional means are also still very much relevant. Frequent status updates during flood events could be channeled through newer multi-media outlets, such as Twitter and Facebook. The PLPT currently utilizes Facebook and Twitter to help disseminate press releases and information for current events. Another step is to formalize this public media engagement through a section in an emergency action plan. This may include predefined messages that correspond to action stages identified for the PLPT Reservation. Tool: Flood Emergency Preparedness Plans Recommended

Inter-related to a flood warning system are emergency preparedness plans for flooding. Generally speaking, emergency preparedness plans include several topics related to identifying the risk:

• Emergency operation plans based on indicators or stages of the magnitude of the risk • Emergency communication plans • Emergency evacuation plans • After action plans

Each of these is relevant, but all have a unique focus and or audience.

Emergency Operations Plan An emergency operations plan is the core of the emergency preparedness plan. The flood emergency operation plan is designed to provide needed actions based on river levels. Emergency managers for PLPT can define action stages when certain actions should be initiated. These action stages could be the activation of the Emergency Operation Center, the signaling of emergency sirens, warning lights and multi-media warnings, mobilization of emergency personnel, closing of roads at risk of flooding and evacuation of impacted areas. The Tribe has a designated Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located on the Tribal headquarters campus.

Emergency Communication Plan As with any emergency situation, communicating to the public is key to describe the event, discuss the associated risks and explain what actions should be taken to lessen the impacts of the event. Obviously, an emergency will be chaotic and sometimes communicating the risk and other needed information is not always done adequately. An emergency communication plan can create a framework of who will provide the needed communication to the public, what communication media will be used and generally what the message will be. The added benefit to a detailed emergency communication plan is the effective use of emergency personnel, the timely flow of information about the risk and the establishment of a dedicated and reliable source of information, which will reduce the duplication of messages and/or confusion and rumors. Emergency Evacuation Plan The Washoe County Emergency Management Department publishes a county-wide emergency management plan. This plan contains general information related to procedures. However, it does not provide specific evacuation information related to flooding within the PLPT Reservation. By its very nature, emergencies are not predictable and can occur at anytime and anywhere. The timing of flood emergencies is generally unpredictable, but the location of a flood event is well known. With modern flood models and mapping software, the location, depth and even velocity of a ravine flood event can be provided to emergency response professionals. Detailed floodplain mapping can show what areas of the community will flood first and how large the impact from the flooding will be. This information is invaluable to determining how many people will be impacted, social characteristics that may create unique circumstances or challenges in evacuating an area and what routes will be available to get the impacted people out of harm’s way. This information can also assist in determining short and long-term emergency shelter needs and locations of these shelters. After Action Plans A later step in the flood emergency preparedness plan is the after action plan. This planning phase covers all of steps to recovering from a flood event. Items that can be included in this plan

are a damage assessment, material disposal, clean-up and recovery communication and economic recovery. Although this step of the emergency preparedness process is sometimes overlooked, a dedicated plan to help a community recover from a disaster will be extremely beneficial to both the Tribal member and the Tribe as a whole. Flood Risk Adaptive Measures Flood risk adaptive measures are construction projects and/or operational actions that can be taken to lessen the likelihood of damages from flooding. Careful consideration needs to be made before selecting the appropriate flood risk adaptive measure. Items to consider are:

• The probability/frequency of flooding • The depth of flood waters • The velocity of flood waters • The duration of the flood events • The cost of the construction project or actions • Reduction in structural and content damage costs

Tool: Elevation of Buildings Further Evaluation Needed This flood risk adaptive measure lifts an existing building to an elevation greater than the elevation of the 1 percent annual chance flood. Further research and evaluations are also required to better understand cost engineering aspects of the tool for the variety of structures in the Truckee River floodplain. Several Federal programs are available to assist in mitigating the flood risk in the area. Because of the Federal funds available, a comprehensive floodplain mapping should be considered. This study could be created across the Truckee River floodplain, and even throughout the three (3) counties. The Truckee River Flood Control Project mapped some structures that may be at risk (Figure 11) during a flood event. However, the floodplain data is outdated and updated floodplain mapping should be completed to determine which structures are at risk before determining if elevating those structures would be feasible and acceptable.

Figure 11: Structures that may benefit from Elevation, Relocation, or Flood Proofing Tool: Relocation of Buildings Further Evaluation Needed This flood risk adaptive measure requires physically moving at-risk structures away from the floodplain area. In some cases, relocation of a structure can occur on the same property where it is currently located, to a location safely away from the high risk flood area. In other situations, the structure is moved entirely away from the property on which it is currently located. In this case, there is little room to move the structure on the property, or no viable location at which the structure would be safe from flooding. When the structure is moved away from the property, the land the structure was formally on is typically purchased and future development is prohibited. Once again, further research and evaluations are required to better understand cost engineering aspects of the tool for the variety of structures in the Truckee River floodplain. Tool: Flood Proofing Buildings in the Floodplain Recommended Flood proofing is a possible approach to defending against rising floodwaters outside a residential home or commercial building. Two approaches are wet or dry flood proofing measures (explained below).

Wet Flood Proofing Wet flood proofing is defined as permanent or temporary/contingent measures applied to a structure and/or it’s content to prevent or provide resistance to damages from flooding by allowing floodwaters to enter the structure. This nonstructural technique is applicable as either a stand-alone measure or as a measure combined with other measures, such as elevation. As a stand-alone measure, all construction materials and finishing materials need to be water resistant and all utilities must be elevated above the design flood elevation. Wet flood proofing is applicable and generally recommended for commercial and industrial structures when combined with a flood warning and flood preparedness plan. This measure is generally not applicable to deep flood waters and/or high velocity flows. Because of the structural and health risks associated with allowing flood waters to inundate a dwelling, wet flood proofing is generally not acceptable as a mitigation option for residential applications. The one exception is the use of engineered openings in an elevated or “crawl space” foundation of a home. In this application, openings or vents of a specific size are installed in a new or existing foundation to allow flood waters to enter the elevated foundation and equalize the hydrostatic pressure of the flood waters. Without these vents, the force of the flood waters could be so great as to damage or destroy the foundation. Dry Flood Proofing Dry flood proofing is defined as a measure that involves sealing the walls of a structure with water proofing compounds, impermeable sheeting or other materials and using closures for covering and sealing openings from floodwaters (Figure 13). This tool is recommended for commercial and industrial structures and can be used in residential homes in specific circumstances. Openings into the structure, such as doors and windows below the base flood elevation would need water tight closures to achieve the desired results. Sump pumps and French drain systems should be installed as part of the measure. This tool would be an acceptable application for homes on the outer fringe of the area of the base flood, and/ or in the 0.2 percent annual chance floodplain. These areas are generally impacted by shallow flood waters with low velocity that cause damages to flooring, heating and air conditions units and other utility equipment that is low to the floor. In these situations, temporary water proof barriers to building openings, such as doors, could installed and foundations could be sealed to prevent infiltration into the home. This would not be an acceptable solution to deep or fast moving flood waters.

Strategy: Modifying the Impact of Flooding This strategy and set of tools has to do with managing the floodplain with the following specific activities: information and education, flood insurance, tax adjustments, emergency relief and post-flood recovery processes. Table 6 is a summary of findings of the TAG during a workgroup session assessing tools in all three reaches. Table 6: Floodplain Management Plan Strategy: Modifying the Impact of Flooding

Strategy: Reach 2 Modifying the Impact of Reach 1 30-mile reach Reach 3 Flooding 25-mile reach from from Hardscrabble Creek Pyramid Lake to Wadsworth to through Sutcliffe into below Wadsworth Vista Pyramid Lake Tool: Information and Education HE HE HE Tool: Flood Insurance FEN FEN FEN Tool: Tax Adjustments NR NR NR Tool: Emergency Relief R R R

Tool: Information and Education Highly Effective A primary purpose of the FMP is communicating flood risks and increasing the public understanding of the flood hazards. PLPT should, through a variety of methods and media, further inform residents, business owners and the general public of the flood risks that are present on the Truckee River and Hardscrabble Creek. Floodplain Mapping Even though there is no floodplain mapping within in the boundary of the Tribe, the local counties have a wealth of flood risk information on the upper Truckee River (Reach 2) available for the public in the form the FEMA flood studies, local flood studies, as well as “non- regulatory” flood maps provided with these studies and other flood risk efforts. Providing this information or at least advertising that this information is available to the public is highly effective. This FMP recommends that floodplain mapping should be conducted for all the reaches included in this plan. These maps should be available for the public and should actively promote flood risk mitigation efforts. Information to Prepare and Recover A number of local, state and Federal agencies, such as the USACE, Nevada Division of Water Resources, American Red Cross, FEMA, and the NFIP have detailed pamphlets, books and other information pieces on how to prevent, prepare for and recover from a flood event. Officials from the Tribe should continue to collect, review and maintain a sufficient library of information to assist Tribal members with these topics. Example Flood Risk Management Tools are shown in Figure 14. Information on other topics related to flooding, such as water quality and water conservation, should be collected and made public in similar fashion as the flood hazard and prevention information. A variety of media types can be used to inform residents and other interested parties about these flood related topics. The entities should be creative as to how these messages are relayed to the public both broadly and specifically in an effort to have a well-informed community on the hazards of flooding.

Figure12: Example Flood Risk Management Tools for Reducing Flood Risk Tool: Flood Insurance Further Evaluation Needed Washoe County is a participating community in the NFIP by FEMA. The NFIP is similar to most other types of insurance; however, it is controlled by the Federal Government and managed by FEMA. Because the county participates in the NFIP, flood insurance is available to home and business owners and tenants of the properties outside of the Reservation. If an insurable structure is located in a high risk floodplain and a Federally backed loan is involved, flood insurance is typically mandatory. In other situations for properties not in a high risk floodplain or when Federally backed loans are not involved, flood insurance is optional. However, the Tribe does not participate in the NFIP currently. Further evaluation is needed to determine which properties are at risk and how residents interested in applying for flood insurance could participate. Tool: Emergency Relief and Post-Flood Recovery Recommended This FMP seeks to reduce the flood risk to the PLPT. However, it is impossible to eliminate all of the flood risk. It is important to understand the help that is available during an emergency and after an emergency occurs. An updated emergency response plan can also assist in preparing for flooding. Appendix B provides a list of Federal emergency response and post-flood recovery assistance programs and opportunities.

Strategy: Preserving and Restoring Floodplains’ Environmental Quality This strategy and set of tools has to do with managing the floodplain with the following specific activities and environmental features: wetlands protection and restoration, erosion and sediment management, water quality enhancement, enhancement of recreation and educational opportunities and preservation of cultural resources. All of these tools were identified by the TAG as methods to be undertaken in an effort to preserve and restore the floodplain’s environmental quality (Table 7). Table 7: Floodplain Management Plan Strategy: Preserving and Restoring the Floodplain’s Environmental Quality Strategy: Reach 2 Preserving and Restoring Reach 1 30-mile reach Reach 3 the Floodplain’s 25-mile reach from from Hardscrabble Creek Environmental Quality Pyramid Lake to Wadsworth to through Sutcliffe into below Wadsworth Vista Pyramid Lake Tool: Wetland Protection and Restoration R R R Tool: Erosion And Sediment Management R R R Tool: Water Quality Enhancement R R R Tool: Enhancement of Recreation And Educational Opportunities R R R Tool: Preservation Of Cultural Resources R R R

Tool: Wetlands Protection and Restoration Recommended Wetlands play an important role in reducing sediment and other pollutants from entering a stream channel and can reduce flood waters in small intensity storms. Historically, the Lower Truckee River had a number wetlands within the Truckee River Basin Watershed. Federal and State regulations dictate the protection, restoration and creation of wetlands. The continued protection of established wetlands in and around the Reservation is a priority for all the organizations involved in the TAG. Where feasible, the restoration of wetlands should be considered in mitigation measures. The Nature Conservancy partnered with PLPT on ecosystem restoration projects along Reach 2. Tool: Erosion and Sediment Control Recommended Erosion of river channels and a buildup of sediment can adversely affect the river ecosystem and can increase the flood risk downstream. Urban runoff and construction site erosion from cities upstream can add nonpoint source pollutants to the river. Reno and Sparks, located upstream of the PLPT Reservation, are required to follow the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPAs) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), Phase II program to prevent

polluted storm water runoff from entering U.S. water bodies. As part of NPDES, Phase II, the cities require Notice of Intent Permits for construction projects that will disturb an acre or more of ground. Ecosystem restoration efforts mentioned above will reduce erosion and help manage sediment. Tool: Water Quality Enhancement Recommended The Tribe, local counties and other agencies have plans, policies, ordinances and regulations in place to begin addressing water quality issues. The PLPT implemented a number of ordinances that address non-point source pollution. The foundation for protection of water quality from all inputs on the Tribe is Ordinance #53, entitled the PLPT Water Quality Ordinance. The Tribe wrote and enacted this legislation through its Tribal council in April of 2005. This document declares the jurisdiction of the Tribe’s waters, it prohibits unpermitted discharges to waters, it declares penalties and it describes enforcement guidelines (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, 2013).

Tool: Enhancement of Recreation and Educational Opportunities Recommended A variety of recreation amenities exist along the Truckee River and Pyramid Lake. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating and camping to both Tribal members and visitors. The lake is also prized for its world class trout fishery for Lahontan cutthroat trout. The economic goals included in the PLPT Economic Development plan were establishing a high quality recreation area, protecting the unique and natural ecosystems of Pyramid Lake and its fisheries, and enhancing the awareness and maintaining a positive image of Pyramid Lake. A bike trail was constructed along Reach 1 of the Truckee River through the Tribe from Wadsworth to Pyramid Lake. It is 24 miles on long and includes overlooks at Marble Bluff and Numana Dams. An addition to the bikeway is proposed along Reach 2 that would be approximately 20 miles. The expansion of recreation opportunities along the Truckee River could also be used to preserve more open space in the floodplains, which will assist in improving erosion and water quality and potentially reduce tributary flooding. This concept could also include an educational component to describe a variety of functions and topics related to natural and cultural resources found in the watersheds. Tool: Preservation of Cultural Resources Recommended The Pyramid Lake Paiute People have lived on the shores of Pyramid Lake for nine to ten thousand years. The environment, “Mother Earth”, provided everything necessary to sustain life for the people for centuries. Ancient and recent historic places are important, because they provide a tangible link to the past. Once lost, these links can never be recovered. They are material touchstones to the past, providing learning experiences and connections that conﬁrm the reality of the past—people actually lived, struggled, laughed and died here. Each generation can learn from the lumps of ground where buildings stood, from ruins, restored buildings, and the

objects of the past. These are the landmarks that provide linkages over time and space, and give perspective and added meaning to modern lives. Intangible resources, like the meaning, history or community connection to a location are also important to recognize. It is important to promote the preservation and respect of cultural resources when recommending or implementing any flood risk management effort. Education and interpretation materials for tourists to Pyramid Lake should also include information about the PLPT and the importance of protecting cultural resources. Strategy: Modifying Floodwaters This strategy and set of tools focuses on managing the floodwaters with the following specific features: dam, stormwater detention basins, levees and floodwalls, landforms, channel alterations, diversions, and pump stations. Table 8 summarizes the results of the TAG Workgroup session. Table 8: Floodplain Management Plan Strategy: Modifying Floodwaters Strategy: Reach 2 Modify Floodwaters Reach 1 30-mile reach Reach 3 25-mile reach from from Hardscrabble Creek Pyramid Lake to Wadsworth to through Sutcliffe into Tools: below Wadsworth Vista Pyramid Lake Tool: Stormwater Detention Basins NR NR NR Tool: Levees, Floodwalls, and Landforms NR NR NR Tool: Channel Alterations, Diversion and Bypasses FEN FEN NR Tool: Pump Stations NR FEN NR Tool: Dam and Reservoir NR NR NR Tool: Drainage Improvements NR NR R

Tool: Channel Alterations, Diversions, and Bypasses Further Evaluation Needed Channel alternations, diversions, and bypasses are large scale projects designed to alter river channels. Sometimes these alternations are restoring natural flows that were previously manipulated. These projects often incorporate large-scale environmental restoration projects and can significantly reduce the flood risk for a community. Originally Channel Alterations, Diversions, and Bypasses was recommended by the TAG since there would be a benefit by utilizing and improving irrigation canals so that flood waters could inundate unoccupied farm land. Also, designing a bypass to recharge the groundwater basin while diverting floodwaters was also a proposed idea. Direct modification of stream channels is common in urban systems and these types of alterations are damaging to a channel’s morphology such as channelization (straightening) and are not recommended for the Tribe. However, certain areas of the river are threatening lives and property and stabilizing the bank through an erosion repair may provide a tool to address homes that are threatened along the river due to active erosion.

Tool: Pump Stations Further Evaluation Needed Pumping stations are used for removal of interior drainage from areas protected by local flood protection works and for water supply. Pumping stations can be effective at protecting communities during flooding. However, pumping stations are one of the more vulnerable features of a flood protection project. The failure of a pumping station during a flood could result in considerable damage within the protected area. Because of the infrequent operation of the majority of local flood protection pumping stations, efficiency can be sacrificed to a certain extent in favor of equipment with a lower first cost. Pumping stations can also affect the hydrology and water quality of both the receiving and supplying water bodies. The changed hydrologic and water quality conditions often affect other environmental parameters. A pump station possibly at Big Bend RV Park in Wadsworth which is a staging area for flood emergencies was discussed and further evaluation was needed on whether this would benefit that particular area. Tool: Drainage Improvements Recommended Drainage improvements in the culverts at Hardscrabble Creek through Sutcliffe are recommended since the source of flooding is often due to debris blocking these culverts. Additional Tools Not all tools work for every community or every watershed. The following tools were discussed and screened out for consideration in the floodplain management of the area:

• Berms and Floodwalls for Buildings • Levee Floodwalls and Landforms • Fill or Conversion of a Basement with Main Floor Addition for Buildings • Acquisition of Buildings • Tax Adjustments and Rebates • Storm water detention basins • Dams As this FMP is updated and implemented, additional tools and strategies can be developed or screened out as necessary. The FMP is a living document and should be amended as the community deems necessary.

RECOMMENDED ACTION PLAN This section typically details how strategies and tools described earlier can be prioritized and developed for the goals and objectives to be achieved. Since comment and review is needed to prioritize such measures by the Tribal Council, this section instead outlines recommended action items for the Tribe when considering adoption of this plan (Table 9). An Action Plan is the last feat of the FMP. It is critical that the Tribe consider what the Tribe’s priorities are and include enabling a funding mechanism to develop specific action items and identify timelines customized in a manner most effective for the Tribe. A top priority of the Action Plan is establishing steps for a reliable funding source that will allow the Tribe to support the level of effort necessary to manage the floodplain. Then action items from the Recommended and Further Evaluation Needed lists can be prioritized by the Tribe. All the tools described above do not need to be developed all at once; considering resourcing and prioritizing measures will aid the Tribe in detailing next steps to achieve measures most pertinent for the Tribe by establishing a realistic and agreed upon Action Plan. Please refer to Appendix B for opportunities and resources. Table 9: Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Floodplain Management Plan Recommendations

Adopt the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Floodplain Management Plan (FMP) The Tribe FMP is the culmination of over a year of participation and work by the TAG. The FMP documents these efforts and creates recommendations to implement strategies and tools to promote mitigation of flooding. To strengthen the resolve of this plan, a public approval process should be conducted. The FMP should be updated as more input is given from the Tribe. Also,

on an annual basis, the TAG should make revisions to the FMP, as necessary. The PLPT will be voted on by the Tribal Council on Wednesday, November 16, 2016. The FMP is an important document to adopt and update, because it opens the door to more Federal funding (see Appendix B. Establishing an active FMP will help the Tribe collaborate with other agencies (thus ensuring future funding), improve public safety by creating a path towards flood risk education and improved floodplain management, as well as lay out an avenue to further protect cultural resources while having outside agency support.

Hire a Certified Floodplain Manager to manage the Tribe’s Floodplain and FMP It is recommended that the Tribe identify or collaborate with a certified floodplain manager to aid in the effort of future iterations of the FMP. USACE worked with the Institute of Water Resources Nonstructural Flood Proofing Committee in the development of this first iteration of the FMP. Hiring a Certified Floodplain Manager would provide the Tribe the opportunity to effectively manage the Tribe’s floodplain and ensure future iterations of the plan.

Develop Coordination Process between at Least Three Entities Development upstream in the Truckee River has negatively impacted PLPT and the ecosystem along the Truckee River. Currently, projects are being worked on in Reach 2, along the upper portion of the Truckee River, to remediate those negative impacts and restore river function. Future development in the Truckee River Basin watershed should not negatively impact Tribal members. When possible, the TAG should continue to operate as an informal technical working group to discuss development plans occurring within the watershed, how the development may impact the dynamics of the floodplain and to also help encourage these recommendations to become actions.

Encourage Public Engagement of the Floodplain Management Plan Process There is an extensive amount of information property owners and tenants in or near a floodplain should know before, during and after a flood event. The Tribe can be a valuable clearinghouse for this information. Through traditional public information channels and newer channels, such as social media and mobile applications, the following information should be disseminated:

• Local Floodplain Regulations • Information and guidelines for developing in the floodplain • Specific flood risks for areas of the PLPT Reservation • Emergency preparedness information • Emergency evacuation information • Post-flood disaster recovery information Through a comprehensive public awareness campaign, these topics can be better disseminated to Tribal members. Outreach should also be done regarding potential flood risk management measures for individual buildings and for larger community projects.

Adopt an Action Plan to implement the FMP Recommendations developed and collected throughout the development of the FMP and public input process should be developed into an action plan to implement the FMP. Possible strategies and tools listed in the recommendations were evaluated for their relationship to the goals and objectives of the FMP. The Tribe should develop a detailed action plan for the implementation of the Tribe’s selected strategy and/or tools and create a schedule for implementation. A top priority for the FMP and the action plan should be to establish a reliable funding source that will allow the Tribe to pay for the level of effort necessary to manage the floodplain as outlined in this documentAn Action can be formed based on recommendations developed by the TAG and input from future Tribal meetings. The Action Plan is highly recommended, because it sets a plan forward to achieve goals listed out in this document through the strategies and tools section. A top priority for the FMP is to create an Action Plan from this recommendation section to help establish a reliable funding source that will allow the Tribe to pay for the level of effort necessary to manage the floodplains along the Truckee River and Hardscrabble Creek.

Incorporate the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Floodplain Management Plan in the Washoe County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Washoe County has an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Pyramid Lake Paiute FMP should be referenced in the Hazard Mitigation Plan. As further information of more detailed floodplain mapping data, updated Floodplain Regulations and Ordinances and other tools such as the Flood Warning Dissemination Systems become available, the Hazard Mitigation Plan should be updated to reflect this information. This recommendation is classified as ongoing on a yearly basis as more information is made available.

Develop Floodplain Inundation Maps Updated floodplain maps will enhance the understanding of the floodplain and the risks posed to the PLPT reservation. Appendix 2 includes some resources for funding for floodplain mapping, including the Silver Jackets Program, which funded this FMP and the USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Program. Silver Jackets projects can be 100 percent Federally-funded, but require in- kind services to assist in the success of developing and implementing a project. This FMP highly recommends that the Tribe apply for floodplain mapping through the Silver Jackets Program in 2017 for funding in Fiscal Year 2018. Applications are normally due in the spring (April) and are awarded in the fall (October).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The 2016 TAG listed below would like to thank the Tribe for submitting a proposal to the Silver Jackets providing collaborators the opportunity to support the development of the Tribe’s first draft FMP. Specific thanks go to Tribal Chairman Vinton Hawley for submitting the proposal letter to the Silver Jackets Inter-Agency Projects; to Natural Resources Director Donna Marie Noel for her invaluable insight and participation as a TAG member and POC for the Tribe; to Emergency Management Coordinator Don Pelt for his participation as a TAG member and ongoing encouragement, to Environmental Assistant Amanda Davis for her efforts in coordinating the Public Outreach Event and Workgroup Session, to Vicki Moyle and Sarah of the Realty Department for providing comments and clarification, and to Water Quality Specialists Olivia John and Kameron Morgan for their comments and participation in the open house. Lastly, thank you to the Tribal Council for providing an opportunity for the TAG to brief on the draft FMP and to all the participants of the Open House event in taking the time to provide your narrative regarding flood risk in the floodplain. Your story and your input are what guide future actions for future generations, thank you.

2016 PYRAMID LAKE PAIUTE TRIBE TECHNICAL ADVISORY GROUP PARTICIPANTS

Donna Marie Noel – Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Natural Resources Director Don Pelt – Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Emergency Response Coordinator Aaron Kenneston – Washoe County Hazard Mitigation Specialist Kimble Corbridge – Washoe County Community Services Department Janell Woodward – Nevada Division of Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Specialist Dave Willard – Nevada Division of Water Resources State Floodplain Manager Bunny Bishop – Nevada Division of Water Resources Floodplain Mapping Coordinator Eric Simmons – FEMA Region 9 Advisor Michael Hornick – FEMA Planner and Natural Hazard Specialist Sarah Olson – HUD Grants Management Specialist Patrick Palmer – HUD Grants Management Specialist Brian Rast – Institute of Water Resources Senior Risk Management Specialist Vanessa Niño-Tapia – USACE Technical Lead Melissa Weymiller – USACE Study Manager Christy Cox – USACE GIS Specialist

REFERENCES Association of State Floodplain Managers. 1997. Addressing Your Community’s Flood Problems: A Guide for Elected Officials.

Association of State Floodplain Managers. 1996. Using Multi-Objective Management to Reduce Flood Losses in Your Watershed.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2007. Wetlands, Oceans, & Watersheds. www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/regulations.html/ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2010. Urban Waters Initiative. www.epa.gov/

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2015. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Section 404 Stafford Act. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2007. Mitigation Planning, Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Sec. 322, 42 U.S.C. 5165, 44 CFR 201.6. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2013. National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System (CRS), Coordinator’s Manual. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2013. National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System (CRS), CRS Credit for Outreach Projects. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 2013. National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System (CRS), Example Plans. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 1 August 2001. Openings in Foundation Walls and Walls of Encloses. Below Elevated Buildings in Special Flood Hazard Areas in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Program, Technical Bulletin.

Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force. 1994. A Unified National Program for Floodplain Management. Federal Interagency Floodplain Management Task Force. 1995. Protecting Floodplain Resources: A Guidebook for Communities. National Park Service. 2016. Nevada: Derby Diversion Dam. www.nps.gov/articles/nevada-derby-diversion-dam.htm/ Nevada Department of Water Resources. 1997. Truckee River Chronology. http://images.water.nv.gov/images/publications/River%20Chronologies/Truckee%20Rive r%20Chronology.pdf

Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. 2013. Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation Non-point Source Pollution Assessment Report. Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. 2010. Volume #1: Strategic Economic Development Plan. www.plpt.nsn.us/econdev/flyers/2011_0710ApprovedDraftVolume1.pdf Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. 2016. Water Quality Program. www.plpt-waterquality.net/ The Nature Conservancy. 2016. Nevada: Truckee River Project. www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/nevada/placesweprotect /truckee-river-project.xml Truckee River Operating Agreement. 2008. http://www.troa.net/documents/TROA_Sep2008/troa_final_09-08_full.pdf U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 8 Dec 1997. Policy Guidance Letter No. 52, Floodplain Management Plans. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center. 1990. Measures to Reduce Flood Damage. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Institute for Water Resources. 2014. From Flood Damage Reduction to Flood Risk Management: Implications for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Policy and Programs. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District. 2013. Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project, Nevada: Draft General Reevaluation Report. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sacramento District. 2013. Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project, Nevada: Draft Environmental Impact Statement, Volume II. http://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Portals/12/documents/usace_project_public_notices/Truc keeMeadows_DraftEIS_Vol-II_May2013.pdf U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District. 2011. Supplemental Nonstructural Assessment for the Fargo-Moorhead Metro Feasibility Study. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. 2016. Cultural and Paleontological Resources: Nevada. www.usbr.gov/cultural/nevada.html/ U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. 2016. Marble Bluff Dam. www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Marble+Bluff+Dam/ U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. 2016. Reclamation: Managing Water in the West. www.usbr.gov/climate/secure/docs/2016secure/2016SECUREReport-chapter3.pdf U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Land Management. 2008. Environmental Assessment Lower Truckee River Restoration Projects at Lockwood, Mustang Ranch, and 102 Ranch.

U.S. Census Bureau. 2016. American Fact Finder, 2010-2014 American Community Survey, 5- Year Estimates, DP03. U.S. Department of the Interior. 1980. A Process For Community Floodplain Management. U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS). 2013. Habitat Quality and Recruitment Success of Cui-ui in the Truckee River Downstream of Marble Bluff Dam, Pyramid Lake, Nevada. https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2013/1247/pdf/ofr2013-1247.pdf/ U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS). 1998. River and Reservoir Operations Model, Truckee River Basin, California and Nevada, 1998. http://pubs.usgs.gov/wri/wri014017/book/wri014017.pdf U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS). 2005. Truckee River Basin, Truckee River Basin and Pyramid- Winnemucca Lakes. http://pubs.usgs.gov/wdr/wdr-nv-04-1/truckee_truckee_sch.pdf U.S. Water Resources Council. 1981. Floodplain Management Handbook. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). 1995. Recovery Plan for the Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/documents/RecoveryPlans/Lahontan_Cutthroat_Trout_RP.pdf U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). 2016. The Lahontan National Fish Hatchery Complex. https://www.fws.gov/lahontannfhc/ Washoe County, Nevada. 2015. Washoe County Hazard Mitigation Plan. www.washoecounty.us/em/files/PDFs/2015%20Washoe%20County%20RHMP.pdf

APPENDICES

Appendix A –Map Plates These maps are beneficial for gaining a general perspective of the floodplain. However, the floodplain data from the Truckee Meadows Flood Control Project is outdated and may not show in all areas an accurate depiction of the floodplain or the Tribe’s flood risk. Changes in the floodplain, and changes due to climate change and projects upstream of the Tribe, make updating the floodplain mapping a priority recommendation given in the Floodplain Management Plan (FMP). Here is the list of the following map plates referenced in the FMP:

A-1 Truckee River Basin Watershed

A-2 Community Assets

A-3 Reaches for Floodplain Hazard Assessment

A-4 Reach 1 Page 1 (1 percent ACE)

A-5 Reach 1 Page 2 (1 percent ACE)

A-6 Reach 1 Page 3 (1 percent ACE)

A-7 Reach 1 Page 4 (1 percent ACE)

A-8 Reach 1 Page 5 (1 percent ACE)

A-9 Nixon, NV (1 percent ACE)

A-10 Wadsworth, NV (1 percent ACE)

A-11 Reach 2 Page 1 (1 percent ACE)

A-12 Reach 2 Page 2 (1 percent ACE)

A-13 Reach 2 Page 3 (1 percent ACE)

A-14 Reach 2 Page 4 (1 percent ACE)

A-15 Reach 2 Current Restoration Projects

A-16 Reach 3

50 Appendix A Map Plates

APPENDIX A PLATE A-1

51 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-2

52 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-3

53 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-4

54 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-5

55 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-6

56 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX PLATE A-7

57 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX PLATE A-8

58 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX PLATE A-9

59 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-10

60 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-11

61 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-12

62 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-13

63 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-14

64 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-15

65 Appendix A Map Plates APPENDIX A PLATE A-16

66 Appendix A Map Plates

Appendix B – Flood Risk Management, Floodplain Management, and Ecosystem Restoration Support Programs and Opportunities

Below are examples of several Federal programs the offer assistance for flood risk management, floodplain management, and ecosystem restoration projects. The programs may offer assistance in implementing the floodplain management plan and some of the eligible action items.

Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System Communities that choose to enroll in the FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) must comply with the program. The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe (PLPT) is not enrolled in the NFIP; however, if the Tribe chooses to enroll in the program in the future they must designate a local representative for each city within the reservation, and identify a floodplain coordinator who will pursue flood insurance premium reductions for community actions that are eligible and creditable per the NFIP’s Community Rating System (CRS). U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Floodplain Management Services The program develops or interprets site-specific data on obstructions to flood flows, flood formation and timing; and the extent, duration, and frequency of flooding. It also provides information on natural and cultural flood plain resources of note, and flood loss potentials before and after the use of flood. On a larger scale, the program provides assistance and guidance in the form of "Special Studies" on all aspects of flood plain management planning including the possible impacts of off-flood plain land use changes on the physical, socio-economic, and environmental conditions of the flood plain. This can range from helping a community identify present or future flood plain areas and related problems, to a broad assessment of which of the various remedial measures may be effectively used. Some of the most common types of Special Studies include: • Flood Plain Delineation/Flood Hazard Evaluation Studies • Dam Break Analysis Studies • Hurricane Evacuation Studies • Flood Warning/Preparedness Studies • Regulatory Floodway Studies • Comprehensive Flood Plain Management Studies • Flood Risk Management Studies • Urbanization Impact Studies • Stormwater Management Studies • Flood Proofing Studies • Inventory of Flood Prone Structures • Evaluation of Levees for Potential • FEMA Certification

67 Appendix B Programs and Opportunities

The program also provides guidance and assistance for meeting standards of the National Flood Insurance Program, flood risk communication and for conducting workshops and seminars on non-structural floodplain management measures, such as Flood Proofing.

For more information contact:

Kim Carsell Floodplain Management Services U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District 1325 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916-557-7635 [email protected]

Silver Jackets Program The Silver Jackets is an innovative program that provides an opportunity to consistently bring together multiple state, Federal, and sometimes tribal and local agencies to learn from one another and jointly apply resources to reduce flood risk. The Silver Jackets teams are state-led interagency teams. Often, no single agency has all the answers, but often multiple programs can be leveraged to provide a cohesive solution. The funding for the Pyramid Lake Floodplain Management Plan was awarded through a Silver Jackets proposal. Silver Jackets proposals fund other non-structural floodplain management projects like floodplain mapping, flood risk awareness and education programs, and emergency management plans. For more information about the Silver Jackets Program including information on the Nonstructural Flood Proofing Committee, current projects, or funding opportunities, please visit www.nfrp.us/state/factNevada.crm or contact:

Kim Carsell Silver Jackets U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District 1325 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916-557-7635 [email protected]

Tribal Partnership Program The Tribal Partnership Program provides an opportunity to study typical problems and opportunities related to: flood risk management, ecosystem restoration and protection, the preservation of cultural and natural resources, and watershed assessments and planning activities.

68 Appendix B Programs and Opportunities

For more information about the Tribal Partnership Program, please contact: Rhiannon Kucharski Chief, Watershed Assessment & Ecosystem Restoration Section Tribal Outreach Coordinator U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District 1325 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916-557-7258 [email protected]

Continuing Authorities Program The Continuing Authorities Program (CAP) is a collection of water resource authorities issued under several different laws. Congress delegated its authority to approve certain projects, up to specified dollar amounts (subject to availability of funds) to the Chief of Engineers. The purpose of the Continuing Authorities Program is to plan, design, and construct projects of limited scope and complexity. The CAP website is located here: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Public-Services/Continuing-Authorities-Program/ CAP authorities include: Section 205 - Local protection from flooding by non-structural measures such as flood warning systems, or flood proofing; or by structural flood damage reduction features such as levees, diversion channels, or impoundments. Section 206 - Aquatic ecosystem restoration. Section 208 - Local protection from flooding by channel clearing and excavation, with limited embankment construction by use of materials from the clearing operation only. Section 1135 - Modifications of USACE constructed water resources projects to improve the quality of the environment. Also, restoration projects at locations where an existing Corps project contributed to the degradation. For more information please contact:

Patrick Howell Project Manager Civil Works Branch U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District 1325 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916-557-6784 [email protected]

69 Appendix B Programs and Opportunities

Mark Bierman Manager, Continuing Authorities Production Center - South Pacific Region U. S. Army Corps of Engineers 1455 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94103 415-503-6508 [email protected]

International and Interagency Support Interagency and International Services (IIS) is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers program providing technical assistance to non-Department of Defense (DoD) Federal agencies, state and local governments, tribal nations, private U.S. firms, international organizations, and foreign governments. Most IIS work is funded on a reimbursable basis. The Corps provides engineering and construction services, environmental restoration and management services, research and development assistance, management of water and land related natural resources, relief and recovery work and other management and technical services. Planning Assistance to States States, local governments and Native American Tribes often have needs in planning for water and related resources of a drainage basin or larger region of a state, for which the Corps of Engineers has expertise. The needed planning assistance is determined by the individual States and Tribes. Typical studies are only undertaken at the planning level of detail; they do not include detailed design for project construction. The studies generally involve the analysis of existing data for planning purposes using standard engineering techniques although some data collection is often necessary. Most studies become the basis for State or Tribal and local planning decisions. The program can encompass many types of studies, dealing with water resources issues. Types of studies conducted in recent years under the program include the following:

• Water Supply and Demand Studies • Water Quality Studies • Environmental Conservation/Restoration Studies • Wetlands Evaluation Studies • Dam Safety/Failure Studies • Flood Risk Management Studies • Flood Plain Management Studies • Coastal Zone Management/Protection Studies • Harbor/Port Studies For more information please contact:

70 Appendix B Programs and Opportunities

Kim Carsell Planning Assistance to States U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District 1325 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916-557-7635 [email protected]

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Program Funding is available on a competitive basis (annually). The ICDBG regulations at 24 CFR 1003 and the annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) describe specific requirements. Contact your regional HUD ONAP office for more information and technical assistance. Indian Housing Block Grant Program (IHBG) IHBG fund appropriations are made available to Tribes based on a formula-based allocation. The funds come from the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) and have implementing regulations at 24 CFR 1000. NAHASDA Program Guidance 2010-03 discusses uses of IHBG funds. Contact your regional HUD ONAP office for more information and technical assistance. U.S. Geologic Survey USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Program The USGS Flood Inundation Mapping (FIM) Program helps communities protect lives and property by providing tools and information to help them understand their local flood risks and make cost-effective mitigation decisions. The USGS Flood Inundation Mapping Program has two main functions: 1) Partner with local communities to assist with the development and validation of flood inundation map libraries. A flood inundation map library is a set of maps that shows where flooding may occur over a range of water levels in the community’s local stream or river. The USGS works with communities to identify an appropriate stream section, gather the necessary data to model where flooding will likely occur, and verify that the maps produced are scientifically sound. Inundation maps can be used for: • Preparedness - "What-if" scenarios • Timely Response - tied to real-time gage and forecast information • Recovery - damage assessment • Mitigation and Planning - flood risk analyses • Environmental and Ecological Assessments - wetlands identification, hazardous spill cleanup

71 Appendix B Programs and Opportunities

2) Provide online access to flood inundation maps along with real-time streamflow data, flood forecasts, and potential loss estimates. Once a community’s map library is complete, it is uploaded to the USGS FIM Mapper, an online public mapping application. The FIM Mapper allows users to explore the full set of inundation maps that shows where flooding would occur given a selected stream condition. Users can also access historical flood information and potential loss estimates based on the severity of the flood. The FIM Mapper helps communities visualize potential flooding scenarios, identify areas and resources that may be at risk, and enhance their local response effort during a flooding event. The USGS works with the National Weather Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to connect communities with Federal flood-related science thereby ensuring the quality and consistency of flood inundation maps across the country. Note: In the past, PLPT received at least one CWA grant in the Water Pollution Control Program, CWA Section 106. The Tribe has also received several other grants for wetland protection and monitoring. Environmental Protection Agency EPA Region 9, Clean Water Act Opportunities Grants listed below are part of EPA Region 9 Clean Water Act (CWA) grant program to improve water quality. PLPT received several of these grants in the past. Tribes applying for Water Pollution or Nonpoint Source grants are eligible to apply for Financial Assistance Eligibility (FAE) under the Clean Water Act. More information on the application can be found in the “Financial Assistance Eligibility Handbook for Indian Tribes,” which includes a Financial Assistance Eligibility (FAE) application checklist, an example of a narrative statement, and a list of EPA Region 9 contacts. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/fy05-fae- handbook-cwa106319.pdf Wetland Program Developments Grants Program functions include wetland monitoring and assessment, regulatory certifications, restoration and protection, and water quality standards. More information on this program can be found on last year’s fact-sheet https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016- 01/documents/wetlands_fact_sheet_fy16.pdf Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program Grants The program assists Federally-recognized Tribes in developing and implementing polluted runoff control programs and watershed based plans that address critical water quality concerns and achieve positive environmental results. More information on this program can be found on last year’s fact-sheet https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016- 01/documents/319_fact_sheet_fy16.pdf Water Pollution Control Program Grants The program assists Federally-recognized Tribes in achieving environmental results by providing tribes with the necessary tools to develop water quality programs to protect, improve, and

72 Appendix B Programs and Opportunities

enhance natural resources. More information on this program can be found on last year’s fact- sheet https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-01/documents/106_fact_sheet_fy_16.pdf For more information on EPA Region 9 grants, please contact your Grants and Interagency Agreement Project Officer. Stephanie Wilson Project Officer for Pyramid Lake Paiute (775) 885-6190 [email protected]

Bureau of Indian Affairs Water Management, Planning, and Pre-Development Program This program assists Tribes in managing, conserving, and utilizing water resources. The program aims to provide the necessary technical research, studies and other information for Tribes to successfully manage trust lands and public domain allotments. To apply, Tribes can submit a funding request through the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Emergency Response Services U.S. Forest Service BAER Program While many wildfires cause minimal damage to the land and pose few threats to the land or people downstream, some fires cause damage that requires special efforts to prevent problems afterwards. Loss of vegetation exposes soil to erosion; water runoff may increase and cause flooding; sediments may move downstream and damage houses or fill reservoirs putting endangered species and community water supplies at risk. The BAER program is designed to address these emergency situations through its key goals of protecting life, property and critical natural and cultural resources. The objective of the BAER program is to determine the need for and to prescribe and implement emergency treatments on Federal Lands to minimize threats to life or property resulting from the effects of a fire or to stabilize and prevent unacceptable degradation to natural and cultural resources.

In most cases, only a portion of the burned area is actually treated. Severely burned areas, very steep slopes, places where water runoff will be excessive, fragile slopes above homes, businesses, municipal water supplies and other valuable facilities are focus areas. The treatments must be installed as soon as possible, generally before the next damaging storm. Time is critical if treatments are to be effective.

There are a variety of emergency stabilization techniques that the BAER team might recommend. Reseeding of ground cover with quick-growing or native species, mulching with straw or chipped wood, construction of straw, rock or log dams in small tributaries and placement of logs to catch sediment on hill slopes are the primary stabilization techniques used. The team also assesses the need to modify road and trail drainage mechanisms by installing

73 Appendix B Programs and Opportunities

debris traps, modifying or removing culverts to allow drainage to flow freely, adding additional drainage dips and constructing emergency spillways to keep roads and bridges from washing out during floods. Please contact your local U.S. Forest Service Office for more information. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program The mission of FEMA’s PA Grant Program is to provide assistance to State, Tribal and local governments, and certain types of Private Nonprofit organizations so that communities can quickly respond to and recover from major disasters or emergencies declared by the President. Through the PA Program, FEMA provides supplemental Federal disaster grant assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain Private Non-Profit (PNP) organizations. The PA Program also encourages protection of these damaged facilities from future events by providing assistance for hazard mitigation measures during the recovery process. The Federal share of assistance is not less than 75 percent of the eligible cost. The Recipient (usually the State or Tribe) determines how the non-Federal share (up to 25 percent) is split with the sub-recipients (eligible applicants). Please contact the PA Program for more information at: U. S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Division 500 C Street, SW Washington, DC 20472 Telephone: (202) 646-3834 Fax: (202) 646-3363

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants Program (HMGP) The purpose of the HMGP is to help communities implement hazard mitigation measures following a Presidential major disaster declaration. Hazard mitigation is any action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and property from natural hazards. Mitigation planning is a key process used to breaking the cycle of disaster damage, reconstruction, and repeated damage. State, Tribal and local governments engage in hazard mitigation planning to identify risks and vulnerabilities associated with natural disasters, and develop long-term strategies for protecting people and property from future hazard events. FEMA requires State, Tribal and local governments to develop and adopt hazard mitigation plans as a condition for receiving certain types of non-emergency disaster assistance. For more information, contact the Nevada State Hazard Mitigation Officer at: Elizabeth Ashby State of Nevada

74 Appendix B Programs and Opportunities

2478 Fairview Drive Carson City, NV 89701 Phone: (775) 687-0314 Fax: (775) 687-0322 E-Mail: [email protected]

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Operations Under the Flood Control and Coastal Emergency Act, USACE provides disaster preparedness and response services and advanced planning measures designed to reduce the amount of damage caused by an impending disaster. USACE is prepared and ready to respond to natural and man-made disasters. When disasters occur, it is not just a local USACE district or office that responds. Personnel and other resources are mobilized across the country to carry out our response missions.

In any disaster, the top priorities are: • Save lives and protect property; • Support immediate emergency response priorities for USACE, DoD, FEMA and the Federal Government. Please contact the Emergency Management Office for more information at:

Brigid Briskin, Emergency Management Office U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District 1325 J Street Sacramento, CA 95814 916-557-6918 [email protected] http://www.spk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Emergency-Operations/

75 Appendix B Programs and Opportunities

76 Appendix B Programs and Opportunities

Appendix C – Public Comments & Accepted Proposal

No. Commenter E-mail Comment(s) Summary Type Response(s) Summary (Affiliation) Phone When considering measures include S Bar S, Coplands, and Concur. S Bar S, Coplands Ranch, Seracola Ranch which are at risk for flooding. Note that Big and Seracola Ranch are noted as Bend RV Park is used for staging during flood emergencies so a vulnerable to floods. The NEVCO pump station or some sort of measure to protect this area is Vicky Moyle [email protected] building is noted as a potential 1 Recommended . Another opportunity for staging during a Interview PLPT Realty Dept 775-575-2185 staging area. Map Plates will flood risk emergency is the NEVCO building which could house need to be updated by the Tribe additional sand bags. Map plates do not accurately show to show correct locations of community assets, note that the senior center and the health community assets. clinic are the same building. Concur. This home is at risk of flooding and will be noted that Amanda Davis [email protected] The house with the eroding hill is Chaene Sander’s, important 2 Interview this member needs to be Environmental Assistant 775-574-0101 ext. 16 to consider her home to implement a measure. included in future iterations of the FMP and its implementation. 1) The FMP is a living document and is owned and updated by 1) Will the validity of the FMP change if TRFMA’s plan is the Tribe and any interagency approved? partners the Tribe invites. As stated in the “Special 2) In order for the FMP to include all stakeholders, public Considerations” section, the meetings should be held in all three communities. Also Locally Preferred Plan has not suggested to include the following Tribal Departments: been authorized and is still Natural Resources, Housing, Emergency Response, Fisheries, under review by Congress and Kameron Morgan [email protected] 3 Health clinic etc. Written has not been authorized Water Quality Specialist 775-574-0101 ext. 19 presently. The scope of this FMP 3) Will the FMP help the Tribe leverage funding from partners was to address anticipated creating the plan to implement some of the recommended increase in discharges by the structural measures? NED Plan (see Appendix C-2 for proposal) 4) Straightening and clearing and snagging are questionable as measures. 2) Concur, as you can see in Appendix E the accepted proposal for this draft FMP

77 Appendix C-1 Public Comments

outreach is provided by the Tribe. For the TAG members the Natural Resources Department and Emergency Response were included in meetings and correspondence.

3) One of the benefits of the FMP is the goal of identifying funding sources through interagency collaboration. Once the Tribe adopts this FMP, the Tribe can apply for a second silver jackets proposal to develop flood inundation maps.

4) Concur. Those tools were screened out by the TAG workgroup session. In reviewing the floodplain maps, inundation is clearly shown Concur. The Cattlemen’s on John Guerrero’s lands. Also, when considering measures Association is identified as an note that there are land assignments for some of the ranchers organization that would benefit that are right next to the river. During a flood event there is from being included as a Public Olivia John [email protected] risk of them losing their cattle. A warning system ahead of Awareness Work Group 4 Interview Water Quality Specialist 775-574-0101 ext. 13 time for them to remove their cattle is Recommended . Also, Member. A warning system is if there is floodplain mapping done that are for the 1% ACE, identified as a recommended does this mean those of us in the floodplain can apply for our action item. As for insurance this own flood insurance even if the Tribe does not participate in was a measure identified as the NFIP? “further evaluation needed.”

78 Appendix C-1 Public Comments

79 Appendix C-2 Silver Jackets Accepted Proposal

80 Appendix C-2 Silver Jackets Accepted Proposal

81 Appendix C-2 Silver Jackets Accepted Proposal

82 Appendix C-2 Silver Jackets Accepted Proposal

Appendix D – Example Floodplain Management Resources

Floodplain Management Plan Example

http://cityofmhk.com/2798/Big-Blue-River-Floodplain-Management-Pla

Public Involvement Plan Example (next page)

83 Appendix D Example FMP Resources

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PLAN (EXAMPLE) Big Blue and Kansas Rivers’ Confluence I. PURPOSE

A. Introduction

Flood risk management work along the Big Blue River and the confluence with the Kansas River requires public involvement in decisions being made on how to reduce the risks of flooding. The long-term purpose is the collaboration of integrated planning that coordinates efforts to publically involve stakeholders in flood risk management at the confluence of these two large rivers. The work embodied in this plan, the public involvement process, and subsequent public meetings, will help to satisfy USACE goals and the FEMA Community Rating System elements for public engagement. B. Goals

Specific goals are as follows:

• Complete a floodplain management plan for the city and county use • Satisfy state needs for flood risk management in the Lower Big Blue watershed • Maintain the Manhattan Levee and continue to maintain the acceptable risk defined by stakeholders • Raise awareness of the limitations of the Tuttle Creek lake operations

To achieve the goals, an effective public involvement plan should: 1. define issues that may impact a project; 2. identify key stakeholders and their interests; 3. develop key messages with partners; 4. identify an information strategy and budget; 5. identify the media strategy; 6. be evaluated and updated frequently; and, 7. plan for the level and type(s) of stakeholder involvement. II. MAIN ISSUES

A summary of main issues is below. 1. Floodplain outside the levee needs a flood risk management strategy, and a floodplain management plan could help address this. 2. The USACE Tuttle Creek Dam provides some, limited reduction to flood hazards, however, fully communicating the risk to those in the floodplains downstream is a continuous process. The communities downstream of the dam seem to frequently repeat the concern that the dam should be able to prevent flood damages for them.

84 Appendix D Example Public Involvement Plan

3. The Manhattan Levee is undergoing a USACE study to determine how to provide the original, authorized level of protection in a partnership with the City of Manhattan. 4. The FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is in a state of change. 5. Revisions to the FEMA Riley County flood maps under the NFIP are going into effect in 2014 6. Stakeholders have the opportunity to be involved in decisions about how flood risks are managed through public open houses that have been held in 2013 and will be continued in 2014. III. STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION

Stakeholders are listed in this document for easy reference by all working on flood risk management initiatives in the area. These may be updated as necessary. As the work progresses, stakeholders potentially may change groups. For the purpose of this plan, as issues arise, stakeholders may be grouped into targeted audiences. Groupings are defined based on the level of interest and involvement of the stakeholder and are presented in descending order from the highest level of interest/involvement to the lowest. The city, county, and agencies have formed groups that are expected to manage the public involvement efforts.

Technical Advisory Group (Co-Decision Makers) Public Awareness Work Group (Active Participants) Public stakeholders in project in Big Blue and Kansas River Area (Technical Reviewers) Other public participants that engage (Commenters) General public (Observers; participate in public meetings)

Figure 2. Orbits of participation specific to the Big Blue and Kansas Rivers' Confluence.

A. Technical Advisory Group

The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is a group of professionals including the local entities and state and federal agencies, and this is lead by the City with strong county oversight. They envision that this group does the “heavy lifting” of the work and would be charged with • Broadly defining the parameters and scope of the project elements

• Create and/or review the project elements in cooperation with the state and local agencies

85 Appendix D Example Public Involvement Plan

• Help to identify the Public Action Working-Group (PAW) and work with the PAW to gather guidance, feedback and direction for the project elements

• Engage in two-way communication with the general public in one on one and large group settings.

• Work with the different local Commissions to inform, receive feedback and get final adoption of the project elements.

• The time commitment for this group would be monthly meetings to review and discuss projects and various work between meetings to complete the project tasks The titles of positions from the various local entities and state and federal agencies are as listed in the table below:

Table 1: Tribal, county, state and federal entities and their roles in the public involvement.

Category Entity Title or Role

State NV DWR 1. Floodplain Coordinating Associate

B. Public Awareness Working-group

The Public Awareness Working-group (PAW) is envisioned to consist of different people living, working or otherwise related to the Big Blue River Valley that can provide guidance to the TAG in developing the project elements and be the spearhead group of advocates for informing and encouraging further engagement of the public. This would be active for a shorter amount of time than the TAG would be active. This would be a more targeted outreach than just having a public meeting, where few may show up. It is envisioned that this group would meet 3 or 4 times in the year and would help to promote larger community public meetings. The TAG discussed in detail of how this PAW would be formed. A list of possible groups to represent the public on the PAW is noted below. The membership to the PAW will be recruited by the local jurisdictions from these general stakeholder groups:

• Home owners (some specific names have been identified from earlier participation on similar issues) • Mobile home park owners or representatives • Home owner associations • Neighborhood groups • Business owners o along McCall Road o along U.S. Hwy. 24 o behind the levee • Developers • Farm owners

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• Realtors • Insurance agents • Banks and lenders • Manhattan Chamber of Commerce • Pottawatomie County Economic Development • Religious groups • School districts • Socially vulnerable groups o Transient population . Soldiers of Army Garrison at Fort Riley (military liaison) . Students of Kansas State University and local colleges (college liaison) o Hearing impaired o Not able to speak English

The recommendation was to include Planning Board members from the three entities. It was decided that each entity (Manhattan, Pottawatomie County and Riley County) would “suggest” three appointed representatives to serve on the working group. Approximately 9 – 15 people were seen as an appropriate size for the working group. Adequate representation of the various interest groups, including hard to reach populations (socially vulnerable/non-English Speaking/transient etc.), will determine the actual number. The strategy decided upon is as followed: 1. A small group of the technical committee would meet to generate names to have the City Commission “appoint” to the PAW. Besides generating the working group names, the small group would also outline the steps to have these people contacted and appointed to the group. 2. The small group would then report back to the larger TAG for consideration and comments. 3. The project make-up and working group details will be created and then presented to the Commissions for review, discussion and approval. 4. Following the “appointment” of the PAW members, the TAG and PAW members would meet to kick off the project and discuss having a large public open house. The PAW would be seen as a group that would inform their neighbors about the project and encourage attendance at the public open house(s). 5. At the public open house, additional members of the PAW may be recruited to fill in any voids in adequately representing the public at large. The group agreed that the PAW members would need a detailed description of what they are being asked to do and their general time commitments. The PAW recruitment period would occur in December, January and early February of 2014. It was discussed that the Commissions would be informed of the project and, reviewed and approve its committees in late January. Then, the TAG and PAW would meet in February and a large public open house sometime in March.

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Co-Decision Makers—The representatives of the group who have actual veto power; implementation cannot occur without their support. Active Participants—Organized groups or active individuals who care deeply about the decision and will participate either in the Corps process or through other processes. They are not limited to those who will be directly affected by the problem or directly affected by the potential solution: • county and municipal leaders • property owners • neighborhood organizations • affinity groups • non-profit/advocacy groups • resource groups • others in the community

Technical Reviewers—independent individuals and entities that, by virtue of their expertise and function, have a responsibility to review the technical aspects of the adequacy of study methodology, but do not have a role in the content of the policy decisions: • Academics • Resource groups • Professional organizations and groups • Non-sponsoring government agencies • Utilities

Commenters--Interested parties who care about the issue, will attend meetings or write comments, but are not considered to be active participants: • professional organizations • developers and realtors • non-profit/advocacy groups • affinity groups • others in the community • media

Observers—Individuals or groups who will take an interest in being informed, but are unlikely to become engaged:

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• state and federal agencies • non-profit/advocacy groups • affinity groups • developers and realtors • professional organizations • others in the community • media C. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The table below presents a summary of expected responsibilities among the entire team, including the project delivery team (PDT) and the sponsorship team. In short, the table shows who is doing what.

The matrix in the table below provides a quick overview of the roles and responsibilities that the participants believe are important.

Responsibility assignment definitions for the table on the next PAW are as follows:

• R = Responsible. This individual(s) is (are) responsible for the activity and associated action items. • A = Accountable. This individual(s) is (are) accountable for the activity based on the individual(‘s) job description. • C = Consult. This (these) individual(s) should be consulted, as part of the communication, coordination, cooperation, and collaboration required for effective management of flood hazards. • I = Inform. Knowledge should be readily available to this (these) individual(s).

Role Responsible for Element

cipation Center of

Public Involvement Element

City NFIP Floodplain Coordinator, Community Development, Planner Pott. County Zoning Administrator, NFIP Floodplain Coordinator Riley County Zoning Enforcement Officer, Floodplain Manager City Engineer Kansas Kansas, Coordinator, Jackets Silver Lead City District USACE Project Manager, Manhattan Levee GI Study, USACE District City Kansas District City Kansas Manager, Creek Lake Tuttle USACE Facilitator and Trainer from USACE IWR Conflict Resolution & PartiPublic Expertise Coordination emails to TAG R C C I C

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Engage federal agencies C C C R C C C Lead TAG meetings R C C C C Provide facilitation on C I I C I I R discussions at meetings PAW formation PAW outreach meeting kickoff Public open house Big Blue Public open house Big Blue

There are several agencies, groups and individuals, and representatives of those agencies and groups, who have roles and responsibilities for managing the planning process, developing the plan, and providing input, guidance and support throughout the planning and plan development process. They will work together in different combinations throughout this process. They are defined and identified as follows with their respective responsibilities concerning the Public Involvement Plan listed:

Federal—federal agencies with a programmatic mission to work with local communities (bring funding and or resources):

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—Kansas City District (Corps) The Corps assigns a Project Manager (PM) whose responsibilities concerning the Public Involvement Plan include:

. providing input . incorporating the Public Involvement Plan into the study’s Project Management Plan (PMP). . contract oversight for facilitation

Local Sponsors—local sponsors provide resources

Sponsor Representatives—staff who represent the interests of their respective organizations or agencies who have authority to make general decisions, but may need to defer to higher level authority on certain issues or contractual obligations.

Facilitator—An outside party who has a general interest in project success and participates at the request of the sponsors: • Center for Public Participation & Conflict Resolution, Institute of Water Resources (USACE). Project Development Teams (PDTs)—combination of staff provide technical support for the project:

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• Corps technical staff, Water Control, Operations, PAO • City technical staff Target Audiences--groupings of stakeholders who have shared interests in specific issues.

Stakeholders--active participants who are materially impacted by issues within the watershed, having rights and interests at stake based on:

o economics. The decision may financially affect stakeholders. o location and use. Stakeholders may use or be located near the potential project. o values/philosophy. The potential project may affect resource distribution for example; a wealth transfer for project construction from general taxpayers to a region; redistribution of water rights; redistribution of water use beneficiaries, etc.

o mandate. The potential project affects another governing agencies programs or policies. o sectors. Public and private interest groups, businesses and individuals IV. STAKEHOLDER INTERESTS

Identification of stakeholders is linked to their issues and interests. The PDT identified the problems, concerns and/or issues that potential stakeholders might have. Issues will be updated and re-evaluated as the study progresses. Some project issues may be very controversial. An issues management plan should be developed for each major issue. Messages will strive to inform and educate individuals about what they can do that contributes to a healthier watershed and encourage their engagement in the planning and implementation processes. An analysis of stakeholder interests will be conducted with the PAW and further developed at the first public meeting.

V. KEY MESSAGES

Key messages are listed below: 1. Regarding coming public involvement: “Significant developments managing flood risks around the confluence have occurred in 2013, and public outreach continues to be a priority for the floodplain managers at the city, county and state and federal agency levels.” 2. “We cannot limit the risk discussion to just the regulatory [NFIP] floodplain or ‘base flood’ or flood insurance. Consequences of flood events of more severe floods (less frequent) will significantly affect the city/counties.” 3. Regarding levee study, January 2014: “The Tentatively Selected Plan [n300] decreases the chance [probability over a period of time] of flood damage behind the levee by a factor of five, if built.” 4. Regarding levee and unprotected areas, January 2014: “Further analysis is needed for whether a training dike would help protect the Dix, Knoxberry, and Countryside Estates Subdivisions.” The following represents the format of a Key Issues matrix document that will be developed and updated throughout the project: The following represents the format of a Key Issues matrix document that will be developed and updated throughout the project:

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Key Issue:

Goal(s): •

Target Audience: Key Messages:

• •

Media Use:

•

Key Issue: Flooding – personal and property protection

EXAMPLE

Goal(s): • Increase public understanding of flood risks. • Raise awareness and understanding of the studies and operations, engaging stakeholders in Kansas and Missouri the plan’s development and sustaining their support in the implementation. • Obtain consensus from property owners, residents, and businesses at project sites, securing their buy-in and involvement in the plan’s development and implementation. • Establish and implement an organizational framework for watershed management to manage flood risk along the rivers and tributaries which creates opportunities for all communities and special interests in the watershed to contribute and collaborate in it. • Inform and educate the community about personal actions individuals can take to help reduce flooding risks. Target Audience: Key Messages:

• Local governments and • We all live in a basin or watershed—the land that rainwater or snowmelt agencies runs across to reach the lowest point, such as a waterway. How we treat • Property owners the land, water and air affects other parts of the basin and waterways into • Neighborhood which it drains. organizations • Stormwater, which is rainwater and snowmelt, can cause flooding and • State and federal agencies harm water quality. Flooding threatens safety and limits the potential for and representatives, redevelopment and community revitalization. • Businesses • Development within the watershed has increased impervious surfaces, leading to increased runoff volumes and flooding potential along Media Use:

•

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VI. INFORMATION TECHNIQUES

The PDT may employ the following information tools and techniques to deliver the messages or provide information regarding project components (more detail is provided in the section on Communication Strategies): • Conduct interactive meetings • Develop database of stakeholders • Develop and circulate publications, including brochures, newsletters and fact sheets (fact sheets can be targeted to specific audiences) • Conduct briefings- meetings and brief presentations for civic leaders and community groups; include history • Develop press kits including:

o Publications o Fact Sheets o News Releases • Information Technology

o City website accessible to anyone seeking information o Social Networking Tools o Emails • Media Relations VII. STRATEGY

Particular strategies and techniques may provide more effective means of communications with different stakeholder groups. A number of strategies employing the techniques identified above have been identified for the planning process. (A matrix that techniques and strategies, responsibilities and projected and actual costs is at the end of this document.)

1. Present to the primary stakeholder groups through a series of public open houses showing opportunities to reduce their flood risks 2. Develop a brief presentation(s) on the flood risk management efforts. (assigned to…) 3. Develop a map of the entire confluence and identify completed and planned infrastructure. (assigned to…) 4. Explore establishing a speakers’ bureau (who to arrange, training and resources for speakers, development of presentation, promotion, speakers’ bureau contact) (assigned to…) 5. Develop a press kit including: a. Brochure, b. The map of completed and planned projects,

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c. Fact Sheets or brochures on: 6. Public Media: a. Arrange a meeting with the Editorial Board and Environmental and local government reporters of The Manhattan Mercury. Press for encouragement of community participation in the planning forums. (Spokespeople) b. Appear on talk radio. (Spokespeople) c. Explore development of a five minute video presentation that can be aired frequently on TV. (assigned to…) d. Follow-up forums with news releases of previous forum’s outcomes, next steps. (assigned to…) e. Explore development of public service announcements. (assigned to…) In addition, formal reports will be produced for the study milestones. The information content of these documents should be made available to all stakeholder groups. However, providing all the report documentation to all stakeholders is not required or appropriate. The information provided should be consistent with their level of participation. A facilitator will be obtained from an independent source. This facilitator should be neutral and be versed in facilitating large groups and dispute resolution techniques. The facilitator should be engaged in development of meeting process and specifics, facilitate all meetings, and provide written meeting minutes for every meeting facilitated. A. Schedule

The following draft schedule shows milestones for events for the strategies above.

Figure 3. Schedule for Strategies and Public Involvement. VIII. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT BUDGET

IX. EVALUTION

Evaluating the effectiveness public involvement and developing our lessons learned will be done after implementation. The ultimate goal is to build a consensus that provides sufficient public and

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institutional support for project implementation. After each step, the PDT should assess the communication techniques effectiveness to meet the objectives. For example: 1. Did the communication techniques adequately and timely provide information to the stakeholders and obtain their feedback when needed? Measurable outcomes: a. Did civic leaders and municipal staff encourage community participation in the workshops? b. Were civic leaders and municipal staff involved in the workshops? c. Was there broad community participation in the workshops? d. Evaluate the comments solicited from the information and blog on the website. 2. Is there sufficient public awareness of the problem and a sense of urgency? a. Was there broad community participation in the workshops? b. Evaluate the comments solicited from the information and blog on the website. c. Was there adequate media coverage going into the workshops? 3. Do the stakeholders “buy into” the planning process? a. Was there broad community participation in the workshops? b. … 4. Were the tradeoffs clearly quantified and identified? 5. Is there a strong consensus the supports the study’s recommendations? X. Appendix A – NAMES OF TAG AND PAW MEMBERS

This appendix should be erased when this document is shared publically. A. TAG

The following individuals are part of this work group’s email distribution list.

Distribution List Name: SJ Big Blue-TAG Tech Adv Grp

Categories: Silver Jackets, KHMT Kansas Hazard Mitigation Team, SJ Big Blue

Members:

B. PAW

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