News Release Archive

Reclamation Balances Public Access and Protects Idaho's Natural Resources

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Warren Sedlacek, wsedlacek@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: June 29, 2006

As Idahos population grows and development takes root in locations once considered wilderness areas, the Bureau of Reclamation finds itself working to strike a balance between the needs of people and its role as stewards of public resources.

This careful balancing act between growth and nature is an ongoing effort for Reclamation and its partners around Lake Cascade in Cascade, Idaho.

"Lake Cascade has always been a popular location for recreation, but now it is a primary destination point for tourists and potential development," said Warren Sedlacek, Reclamation natural resources specialist. "When property is bought near Reclamation land, we have to be prepared to head-off possible encroachment issues."

Crews are working in phases to install fencing designed to provide access for recreationists and migrating animals, while also defining public and private land boundaries. The fence is a single rail with 6-inch diameter posts. The top of the rail is approximately 38 inches from the ground, said Sedlacek.

Reclamation is replacing existing survey markers and adding additional boundary markers at 50 foot intervals where necessary. Crews are following up this survey by constructing single rail fencing that is designed to be visually unobtrusive.

Recreationists will be able to pass through pedestrian openings and snowmobile access gates with a minimum of hindrance. The fences are also designed to permit easy access for migrating game animals.

Construction is being done from south to north and includes Boulder Creek, Gold Fork, Lake Fork, and Dawn Drive areas. Fencing has been completed in the Crown Point area. At this time, no fencing is planned for areas defined in the Lake Cascade Resource Management Plan as Rural Residential.

For more information about the fencing project contact: Warren Sedlacek, Reclamation natural resources specialist at (208) 382-4258.

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.