Minidoka Planning Update 1.Indd

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 961 E. Minidoka Dam Road Rupert, ID 83350-9471 Minidoka

In This Issue: National Wildlife Refuge Your comments on the Minidoka National Planning Update 1, October 2011 Wildlife Refuge are requested. What natural resource issues are important to you? Tell us at our Public Open House Meetings, scheduled for October 25, 2011, in Pocatello, Idaho, and October 26, 2011 in Burley, Idaho.

American white pelican / © Dr. Thomas G. Barnes Help Us Plan for the Future! 8 At Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge fishing, environmental education, Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge Order of President Theodore How Do I Contact the and interpretation. We invite (Refuge) is initiating a planning Roosevelt: as a preserve and you to share your ideas with us process to develop a Comprehensive breeding ground for native birds. Refuge or Provide by attending one of our public Conservation Plan (CCP) that will As we work through the CCP meetings: October 25, 2011, in guide how the Refuge is managed Comments? process, we have the opportunity to Pocatello, or October 26, 2011 in for a period of 15 years. This is look at the Refuge’s management Burley. You may also submit written As we plan for the future, we need to hear from you. the first in a series of planning activities from fresh perspectives. comments by November 30, 2011 What are your thoughts and ideas about the Refuge updates we will distribute to keep We will review our habitat (for contact information, see page and the goals and issues described in this update. you informed and invite your management and public use 8). We look for to hearing from you, Please write to us at: participation in the CCP process. programs, including the National your thoughts are important to the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge The purpose of the Refuge will Wildlife Refuge System’s priority success of this effort! 961 E. Minidoka Dam Road remain the same as when it was public uses−wildlife observation Rupert, ID 83350-9471 established, in 1909, by Executive and photography, hunting, Jeffrey Krueger, Refuge Manager E-mail: [email protected]. Please include “Minidoka NWR CCP” in the subject line. Find Us On the Web: http://www.fws.gov/minidoka or Mule deer / USFWS Public Open House Meetings http://www.fws.gov/pacific/planning will be held October 25 & 26, 2011. See page 7 for details. We look forward to hearing from you! Comments are due to us by November 30, 2011

California gull and chicks /USFWS 2 7 Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge Overview Public Use Questions We May Minidoka Refuge is located on BOR to meet its mission to provide Other colonial nesting birds using the Snake River Plain of south- irrigation water and generate these islands include great blue Consider in the CCP central Idaho, 12 miles northeast hydroelectric power. herons, black-crowned night-herons, • How should we manage boat Draft Refuge Vision Statement of Rupert. Historically, the area double-crested cormorants, and access under BOR’s new water included a portion of the Snake River Minidoka Refuge is a wildlife oasis California gulls. management framework? Over 100 years ago, the lake and wetlands produced by surrounded by an expansive sea in the desert. Just over half of • How can we meet increasing Minidoka Dam created an oasis for waterbirds in Idaho’s the Refuge is comprised of Lake The significance of the Refuge as interest in recreational of sagebrush. In 1904 the Bureau arid Snake River Plain. President Theodore Roosevelt’s vision of Reclamation (BOR) impounded Walcott; the remaining acres are a sanctuary for molting waterfowl opportunities on the Refuge the Snake River and created Lake upland sagebrush and grassland cannot be overstated. Each year without increasing disturbance to preserve and enhance special places led to the creation of enormous numbers of ducks, geese Walcott to store water for irrigation. habitats. This large expanse of to wildlife? Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge. Here ducks, geese, and open water within the dry arid and grebes seek refuge in the closed • How can we reduce impacts to The Refuge was established in 1909, grebes gather during molting season; colonial birds raise their when President Theodore Roosevelt environment attracts numerous area to molt their flight feathers. wildlife? set aside Lake Walcott as a preserve migratory bird species, including They are attracted by the large, • How can we expand the young; and untold numbers of migrating birds stop to rest. waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading high quality beds of aquatic plants, and breeding grounds for native birds. Refuge’s priority public uses Upland species such as sage and sharp-tailed grouse, mule deer, birds. insects and small fish that occur in and provide environmental elk, and antelope also thrive. The Refuge provides opportunities Today the Refuge extends 25 miles the shallow water on the eastern education and interpretive The Service has documented 243 side of the Refuge. The pondweed upstream from Minidoka Dam and programs? for people of all ages and abilities to connect with nature, and species of migratory birds on the beds in this area also provide a includes nearly 80 miles of Lake • How would partnerships with pass on outdoor traditions to future generations. We will honor Refuge, of which, 85 species are valuable food source for waterfowl Walcott shoreline. Of the 20,700 acres the State of Idaho and BOR known to nest within its boundaries. during migration; concentrations of and build upon President Roosevelt’s vision and work with included in the Refuge, 86 percent help us with conduct quality up to 100,000 waterfowl have been are lands and waters owned by BOR. Among these birds are colonial visitor services programs in a partners to ensure that the Refuge continues to be an oasis for observed. These areas will become The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nesting waterbirds which use islands manner that protects wildlife wildlife for another 100 years. more important in the future as the (Service) has the authority over these within Lake Walcott for nesting. from disturbances? lands and water as a national wildlife Currently, one of only two nesting demands on local water resources for • How should bass tournaments refuge, and therefore manages all colonies of American white pelicans, irrigation and recreation increase. be regulated? activities, except those conductedby in Idaho, occurs within the Refuge. continued on page 3 • Can hunting and fishing regulations be simplified?

You’re Invited to Our Public Open House Meetings You heard from us, now we want to hear from you!

The public open house meetings are an opportunity for you to help us identify issues to address in the CCP, and to have your questions answered about Refuge management issues. Open house details follow. Pocatello, Idaho Burley, Idaho Date: October 25, 2011 Date: October 26, 2011 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m Location: Location: Red Lion Hotel Best Western Inn and Convention Center 1555 Pocatello Creek Road 800 Overland Ave Pocatello, ID 83201 Burley, ID 83318

Minidoka Refuge is one of five refuges in the Southeast Idaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex 6 3 Refuge Management Issues and Opportunities • How can we work within Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge Overview continued from page 2 Between the open water and the As part of the CCP process we Habitat degradation due to invasive BOR’s new water management Sagebrush steppe habitat in the Fishing is allowed year-round uplands is a thin ribbon of riparian will evaluate a range of alternative species is the biggest threat to the framework to provide quality Snake River Plain has been greatly from the shoreline, however, most habitat. Although it represents a management approaches, including Refuge’s biological integrity. More habitat for waterbirds? reduced, and what is left is often anglers fish from April 1st through small proportion of the Refuge, current management practices. The time and money is spent controlling • What management actions can degraded. Likewise, most of the September 30th, when 40 percent these emergent wetlands, willow effects of the various alternatives the Refuge’s ever expanding list of we take to improve riparian sagebrush habitat at the Refuge of the lake is open to boating. thickets, and cottonwood trees on the biological resources and local invasive plants than on any other habitat under BOR’s new water is in degraded condition due to Smallmouth bass and rainbow trout provide important nest cover for communities will be evaluated in management activity. Even then, management framework? past livestock grazing, sagebrush are the most sought after species; grebes, marsh wrens, common an environmental assessment (EA) we are treating less than half of the • What is the Refuge’s role in eradication, increased fire frequency, however, panfish are plentiful. Ice yellowthroats, and other neotropical in accordance with the National State listed noxious weeds known to restoring habitat for sagebrush and the introduction of nonnative fishing is also allowed and is popular migrants such as Bullock’s oriole. Environmental Policy Act. occur on the Refuge. dependent wildlife? grasses (e.g., cheatgrass) and other during the winter months. • How can we prevent the The CCP planning team identified Nonnative invasive animals are invasive plants. Where wildlife abounds, opportunity introduction and dispersal of for wildlife dependent activities are Refuge staff provide interpretive and some potential issues we may a major management issue as The Refuge does, however, contain invasive species, and facilitate plentiful. Each year thousands of environmental education programs consider in the CCP/EA. We well. Carp found in Lake Walcott fragmented patches of sagebrush their removal from the Refuge? visitors come to the Refuge to hunt, upon request, as time allows. encourage you to provide your increase turbidity and root up habitat in good condition that • How can the Refuge adaptively fish, and observe and photograph comments on these issues at one of aquatic plants, thus reducing support sharp-tailed grouse, sage The Refuge hosts Lake Walcott State manage habitat in response to the wildlife. Refuge uplands are open our public open house meetings or aquatic habitat quality. New sparrows, and pronghorns. The Park on 65 acres at the northwest end effects of climate change? year-round and a series of roads send us your comments (see page 8 Zealand mudsnails have colonized Refuge represents a link between of the lake. The park provides boat facilitate wildlife observation and for contact information.) the Snake River in tremendous Public Use of the Refuge. The the shrub-steppe habitats of Craters launches, camping facilities, walking photography. Hunting for waterfowl numbers, displacing native mollusks, National Wildlife Refuge System of the Moon National Monument trails, a Frisbee golf course, and a Habitat Management. The Refuge and small game is allowed in including the endangered Snake Administration Act identifies six and City of Rocks National Reserve, small visitor’s center. An estimated provides important habitat for a designated areas, during the State’s River physa snail. At present, there priority refuge uses: hunting; fishing; both managed by the National Park 51,000 visitors used the park in 2010. wide variety of migratory birds, is no practical way to control these waterfowl season, and additional fish, and resident wildlife. However, wildlife observation and photography; Service. nonnative species. and environmental education and roads are open to facilitate hunting. due to limited Refuge staff and the fact that BOR controls the water Widespread population and habitat interpretation. These uses receive levels in Lake Walcott, current declines have been projected for enhanced consideration over all other Refuge management is focused on numerous sagebrush associated general public uses, during refuge Preliminary Goals protecting important habitats from species. A growing sense of urgency planning and management. We will Goal 6. Historic and Cultural Resources. disturbance and degradation. over the outlook for sagebrush- review Minidoka Refuge’s public uses, Goals are broad statements Goal 3. Upland habitats. Maintain, Protect and manage the Refuge’s dependent wildlife has spawned as well as other current or proposed intended to provide direction for protect, and enhance upland prehistoric and historic resources to Boat access is restricted from prime sagebrush planning and restoration uses as part of the CCP process. future Refuge management. They habitats, including sage-steppe, ensure present and future generations nesting and feeding areas to limit efforts within Idaho. Although are based on Refuge purposes, grasslands, sand dunes, juniper disturbance to wildlife. The closed The primary wildlife-dependent recognize the significance of the area’s the Refuge’s sage-steppe habitat public uses at the Refuge are fishing, the mission and policies of the shrublands, basalt outcrops, and areas of Lake Walcott are the only National Wildlife Refuge System, past. is degraded and fragmented by hunting, wildlife observation, and bluffs, to benefit native wildlife sanctuary for waterbirds along the input received through the CCP roads, fences, and power lines, we photography. Due to the Refuge’s and contribute to the Refuge’s Goal 7. Wildlife Dependent Recreation entire midsection of the Snake River. process, and key issues identified as could improve habitat quality, and small staff, only limited environmental biological integrity, diversity, and and Public Use. Increase public most significant to the Refuge. The connect with extensive shrub-steppe education and interpretation environmental health. understanding and appreciation of Lake Walcott’s water level is planning team has developed the habitat on adjacent Bureau of Land programs are offered at this time. wildlife, and build support for the lowered by 5 feet starting October following preliminary Refuge goals Goal 4. Invasive Species Management. 1st, and is maintained through the Management land and Craters of Refuge by providing opportunities the Moon National Monument. and would like your input on them. Perpetuate ecological resistance and winter freeze. After the ice melts rapidly respond to the pervasive for all visitors to participate in safe, the lake level rises to its full capacity quality wildlife-dependent recreation Habitat Management Questions Fishing is important to the local Goal 1. Open water and aquatic threat of invasive species by using where it is held throughout the and education programs, while We May Consider in the CCP area and interest in the smallmouth habitats. Maintain and protect open appropriate Integrated Pest summer months. However, BOR minimizing wildlife disturbance or • What is the Refuge’s role in bass fishery on Lake Walcott is water and aquatic habitats to benefit Management techniques. is currently planning to replace other impacts to wildlife populations conserving wildlife and habitat increasing. Hunting for waterfowl is nesting, migrating, and molting Minidoka Dam, and by 2015 will Goal 5. Inventory, Monitoring, Adaptive or habitats. within the Snake River plain popular, primarily during the early waterfowl and waterbirds. be able to maintain high water ecosystem? season. Bird watching and other Management, and Research. Gather year-round. They have agreed to • How can we minimize wildlife viewing, are also popular. Goal 2. Riparian habitat and islands. scientific information (surveys, research and assessments) to make minor fluctuations in water disturbance to nesting and Maintain and protect riparian support adaptive management level, where they can, to facilitate migrating waterbirds, and other continued on page 7 habitat and islands to benefit decisions. management of aquatic habitats. wildlife? colonial nesting waterbirds and nesting and migrating landbirds. 4 5 5 Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge FWS Interest Map Blaine, Cassia, Minidoka, and Power Counties, Idaho

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Produced in the Division of Realty & Refuge Information Portland, Oregon 1:45,000 Land Status Current to: 01/14/2009 Legend Map Date: 10/11/2011 0 2 4 Basemap: USGS 24k Quad Miles FWS Fee Interest Closed to Boats UTM ZONE 12 Meridian:Boise Kilometers BoR Overlay State Park NAD 83 File:09-062-2.mxd 042 Refuge Boundary Approx. bed of Snake River 6 3 Refuge Management Issues and Opportunities • How can we work within Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge Overview continued from page 2 Between the open water and the As part of the CCP process we Habitat degradation due to invasive BOR’s new water management Sagebrush steppe habitat in the Fishing is allowed year-round uplands is a thin ribbon of riparian will evaluate a range of alternative species is the biggest threat to the framework to provide quality Snake River Plain has been greatly from the shoreline, however, most habitat. Although it represents a management approaches, including Refuge’s biological integrity. More habitat for waterbirds? reduced, and what is left is often anglers fish from April 1st through small proportion of the Refuge, current management practices. The time and money is spent controlling • What management actions can degraded. Likewise, most of the September 30th, when 40 percent these emergent wetlands, willow effects of the various alternatives the Refuge’s ever expanding list of we take to improve riparian sagebrush habitat at the Refuge of the lake is open to boating. thickets, and cottonwood trees on the biological resources and local invasive plants than on any other habitat under BOR’s new water is in degraded condition due to Smallmouth bass and rainbow trout provide important nest cover for communities will be evaluated in management activity. Even then, management framework? past livestock grazing, sagebrush are the most sought after species; grebes, marsh wrens, common an environmental assessment (EA) we are treating less than half of the • What is the Refuge’s role in eradication, increased fire frequency, however, panfish are plentiful. Ice yellowthroats, and other neotropical in accordance with the National State listed noxious weeds known to restoring habitat for sagebrush and the introduction of nonnative fishing is also allowed and is popular migrants such as Bullock’s oriole. Environmental Policy Act. occur on the Refuge. dependent wildlife? grasses (e.g., cheatgrass) and other during the winter months. • How can we prevent the The CCP planning team identified Nonnative invasive animals are invasive plants. Where wildlife abounds, opportunity introduction and dispersal of for wildlife dependent activities are Refuge staff provide interpretive and some potential issues we may a major management issue as The Refuge does, however, contain invasive species, and facilitate plentiful. Each year thousands of environmental education programs consider in the CCP/EA. We well. Carp found in Lake Walcott fragmented patches of sagebrush their removal from the Refuge? visitors come to the Refuge to hunt, upon request, as time allows. encourage you to provide your increase turbidity and root up habitat in good condition that • How can the Refuge adaptively fish, and observe and photograph comments on these issues at one of aquatic plants, thus reducing support sharp-tailed grouse, sage The Refuge hosts Lake Walcott State manage habitat in response to the wildlife. Refuge uplands are open our public open house meetings or aquatic habitat quality. New sparrows, and pronghorns. The Park on 65 acres at the northwest end effects of climate change? year-round and a series of roads send us your comments (see page 8 Zealand mudsnails have colonized Refuge represents a link between of the lake. The park provides boat facilitate wildlife observation and for contact information.) the Snake River in tremendous Public Use of the Refuge. The the shrub-steppe habitats of Craters launches, camping facilities, walking photography. Hunting for waterfowl numbers, displacing native mollusks, National Wildlife Refuge System of the Moon National Monument trails, a Frisbee golf course, and a Habitat Management. The Refuge and small game is allowed in including the endangered Snake Administration Act identifies six and City of Rocks National Reserve, small visitor’s center. An estimated provides important habitat for a designated areas, during the State’s River physa snail. At present, there priority refuge uses: hunting; fishing; both managed by the National Park 51,000 visitors used the park in 2010. wide variety of migratory birds, is no practical way to control these waterfowl season, and additional fish, and resident wildlife. However, wildlife observation and photography; Service. nonnative species. and environmental education and roads are open to facilitate hunting. due to limited Refuge staff and the fact that BOR controls the water Widespread population and habitat interpretation. These uses receive levels in Lake Walcott, current declines have been projected for enhanced consideration over all other Refuge management is focused on numerous sagebrush associated general public uses, during refuge Preliminary Goals protecting important habitats from species. A growing sense of urgency planning and management. We will Goal 6. Historic and Cultural Resources. disturbance and degradation. over the outlook for sagebrush- review Minidoka Refuge’s public uses, Goals are broad statements Goal 3. Upland habitats. Maintain, Protect and manage the Refuge’s dependent wildlife has spawned as well as other current or proposed intended to provide direction for protect, and enhance upland prehistoric and historic resources to Boat access is restricted from prime sagebrush planning and restoration uses as part of the CCP process. future Refuge management. They habitats, including sage-steppe, ensure present and future generations nesting and feeding areas to limit efforts within Idaho. Although are based on Refuge purposes, grasslands, sand dunes, juniper disturbance to wildlife. The closed The primary wildlife-dependent recognize the significance of the area’s the Refuge’s sage-steppe habitat public uses at the Refuge are fishing, the mission and policies of the shrublands, basalt outcrops, and areas of Lake Walcott are the only National Wildlife Refuge System, past. is degraded and fragmented by hunting, wildlife observation, and bluffs, to benefit native wildlife sanctuary for waterbirds along the input received through the CCP roads, fences, and power lines, we photography. Due to the Refuge’s and contribute to the Refuge’s Goal 7. Wildlife Dependent Recreation entire midsection of the Snake River. process, and key issues identified as could improve habitat quality, and small staff, only limited environmental biological integrity, diversity, and and Public Use. Increase public most significant to the Refuge. The connect with extensive shrub-steppe education and interpretation environmental health. understanding and appreciation of Lake Walcott’s water level is planning team has developed the habitat on adjacent Bureau of Land programs are offered at this time. wildlife, and build support for the lowered by 5 feet starting October following preliminary Refuge goals Goal 4. Invasive Species Management. 1st, and is maintained through the Management land and Craters of Refuge by providing opportunities the Moon National Monument. and would like your input on them. Perpetuate ecological resistance and winter freeze. After the ice melts rapidly respond to the pervasive for all visitors to participate in safe, the lake level rises to its full capacity quality wildlife-dependent recreation Habitat Management Questions Fishing is important to the local Goal 1. Open water and aquatic threat of invasive species by using where it is held throughout the and education programs, while We May Consider in the CCP area and interest in the smallmouth habitats. Maintain and protect open appropriate Integrated Pest summer months. However, BOR minimizing wildlife disturbance or • What is the Refuge’s role in bass fishery on Lake Walcott is water and aquatic habitats to benefit Management techniques. is currently planning to replace other impacts to wildlife populations conserving wildlife and habitat increasing. Hunting for waterfowl is nesting, migrating, and molting Minidoka Dam, and by 2015 will Goal 5. Inventory, Monitoring, Adaptive or habitats. within the Snake River plain popular, primarily during the early waterfowl and waterbirds. be able to maintain high water ecosystem? season. Bird watching and other Management, and Research. Gather year-round. They have agreed to • How can we minimize wildlife viewing, are also popular. Goal 2. Riparian habitat and islands. scientific information (surveys, research and assessments) to make minor fluctuations in water disturbance to nesting and Maintain and protect riparian support adaptive management level, where they can, to facilitate migrating waterbirds, and other continued on page 7 habitat and islands to benefit decisions. management of aquatic habitats. wildlife? colonial nesting waterbirds and nesting and migrating landbirds. 2 7 Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge Overview Public Use Questions We May Minidoka Refuge is located on BOR to meet its mission to provide Other colonial nesting birds using the Snake River Plain of south- irrigation water and generate these islands include great blue Consider in the CCP central Idaho, 12 miles northeast hydroelectric power. herons, black-crowned night-herons, • How should we manage boat Draft Refuge Vision Statement of Rupert. Historically, the area double-crested cormorants, and access under BOR’s new water included a portion of the Snake River Minidoka Refuge is a wildlife oasis California gulls. management framework? Over 100 years ago, the lake and wetlands produced by surrounded by an expansive sea in the desert. Just over half of • How can we meet increasing Minidoka Dam created an oasis for waterbirds in Idaho’s the Refuge is comprised of Lake The significance of the Refuge as interest in recreational of sagebrush. In 1904 the Bureau arid Snake River Plain. President Theodore Roosevelt’s vision of Reclamation (BOR) impounded Walcott; the remaining acres are a sanctuary for molting waterfowl opportunities on the Refuge the Snake River and created Lake upland sagebrush and grassland cannot be overstated. Each year without increasing disturbance to preserve and enhance special places led to the creation of enormous numbers of ducks, geese Walcott to store water for irrigation. habitats. This large expanse of to wildlife? Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge. Here ducks, geese, and open water within the dry arid and grebes seek refuge in the closed • How can we reduce impacts to The Refuge was established in 1909, grebes gather during molting season; colonial birds raise their when President Theodore Roosevelt environment attracts numerous area to molt their flight feathers. wildlife? set aside Lake Walcott as a preserve migratory bird species, including They are attracted by the large, • How can we expand the young; and untold numbers of migrating birds stop to rest. waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading high quality beds of aquatic plants, and breeding grounds for native birds. Refuge’s priority public uses Upland species such as sage and sharp-tailed grouse, mule deer, birds. insects and small fish that occur in and provide environmental elk, and antelope also thrive. The Refuge provides opportunities Today the Refuge extends 25 miles the shallow water on the eastern education and interpretive The Service has documented 243 side of the Refuge. The pondweed upstream from Minidoka Dam and programs? for people of all ages and abilities to connect with nature, and species of migratory birds on the beds in this area also provide a includes nearly 80 miles of Lake • How would partnerships with pass on outdoor traditions to future generations. We will honor Refuge, of which, 85 species are valuable food source for waterfowl Walcott shoreline. Of the 20,700 acres the State of Idaho and BOR known to nest within its boundaries. during migration; concentrations of and build upon President Roosevelt’s vision and work with included in the Refuge, 86 percent help us with conduct quality up to 100,000 waterfowl have been are lands and waters owned by BOR. Among these birds are colonial visitor services programs in a partners to ensure that the Refuge continues to be an oasis for observed. These areas will become The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nesting waterbirds which use islands manner that protects wildlife wildlife for another 100 years. more important in the future as the (Service) has the authority over these within Lake Walcott for nesting. from disturbances? lands and water as a national wildlife Currently, one of only two nesting demands on local water resources for • How should bass tournaments refuge, and therefore manages all colonies of American white pelicans, irrigation and recreation increase. be regulated? activities, except those conductedby in Idaho, occurs within the Refuge. continued on page 3 • Can hunting and fishing regulations be simplified?

You’re Invited to Our Public Open House Meetings You heard from us, now we want to hear from you!

Minidoka Refuge is one of five refuges in the Southeast Idaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 961 E. Minidoka Dam Road Rupert, ID 83350-9471 Minidoka

California gull and chicks /USFWS