Thu., April 9, 2015
Final federal plan for Lake Lowell draws local approval
Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: NAMPA, Idaho (AP) — A management plan for a popular southwest Idaho federal wildlife refuge that's more accommodating for water skiers is being praised as a good compromise. The Idaho Press-Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/1Jt0vIl) that U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials, U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador and Canyon County commissioners took part in a news conference Wednesday concerning the long-term plan for Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge. The federal agency on April 3 issued a final plan and Environmental Impact Statement. Federal officials altered the plan to allow the use of motorized boats that have internal or external wake-generating devices and ballasts. Officials initially had concerns about invasive species and wakes that could harm nesting wildlife. Officials say the new plan addresses those concerns with filtering systems and no-wake zones.