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Seeking Public Input for Conservation Planning

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is initiating a public scoping period to gather information for a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and habitat and species plan (HSP). This public scoping period will take place from April 21-May 20. 

The refuge is hosting two public scoping meetings on May 7 at 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the McGregor Building, 85 E. Baseline Rd., Rupert, ID, 83350. During the meetings people will be able to ask questions, provide written comments sharing what information they think the draft CCP and HSP should address, and learn about refuge management and the planning process. 

Note: A notice of intent and public scoping process was initiated almost 15 years ago, but the process was paused due to capacity challenges and the need to prioritize work on the ground. If the information gathered at the time has not already been addressed with the refuge management updates over the last decade, they will be considered in this new public scoping period.  

What is a CCP?

Developed under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, CCPs describe the vision, goals, objectives and strategies that will guide the long-term management of the refuge. The CCP also identifies wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and interpretation. There will be a public environmental review of the refuge’s draft CCP before it is finalized. 

What recreational opportunities are available at the refuge? 

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A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the bet365����ios  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge  was created for a special purpose. Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1909 to protect migratory and native birds. Today, the refuge protects 24,514 acres, including Lake Walcott. As directed by Congress, all activities allowed on refuges must be evaluated to make sure each activity will not conflict with the reason the refuge was created. More than 100,000 people a year visit Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge. Birdwatching, hiking, boating, fishing, and hunting are just some of the recreational opportunities at the refuge. 

Does the refuge manage Lake Walcott and the campground?

The Service manages the refuge and works with federal and state agencies, Tribes, and other partners to manage resources within the refuge boundary. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation operates the dam and power plant, and controls the water levels, in the reservoir, Lake Walcott. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation manages Lake Walcott State Park, a 30-acre park near the dam that offers campgrounds, picnic areas, a disc golf course, cabins, and a boat ramp. The park is a fee area. 

What has changed at the refuge since the last scoping period? 

Since the refuge last initiated a scoping period, there have been many changes in refuge management that have benefitted the community and wildlife and their habitat. Many of these changes were enacted in response to comments made by the public. For example, the refuge has opened additional areas to hunting, expanded the boating season, improved bank fishing and hunting access, and is working on ongoing habitat and infrastructure improvements. 

What happens with the information gathered during the scoping period? 

The first step in the conservation planning process is the scoping period, where the refuge will gather information from the public and partners about what they think should be addressed in the CCP. The information gathered will inform the development of a draft CCP that will be made available for public comment. Once the public comment period closes, the comments received will be evaluated and the CCP updated as needed before publishing a final CCP. It will be available for public review before a final document is approved and posted. 

If I cannot attend the public scoping meeting, is there another way to provide input? 

Comments can be submitted by email to southeast_idaho_nwr@fws.gov or by mail to ATTN: Jaime Allen, Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, 961 Minidoka Dam Road, Rupert, ID, 83350. 

For more information, please contact the refuge at 208-436-3589.