News Release Archive

Reclamation Seeks Help Reporting Public Land Abuse

Media Contact: David Walsh, (208) 378-5026, dwalsh@usbr.gov
Warren Sedlacek, wsedlacek@usbr.gov

For Release: June 30, 2009

Due to recent trespass and property destruction at Lake Cascade, the Bureau of Reclamation is requesting the public's help reporting trespass and abuse of public lands in and around the reservoir.

In the last five years, Reclamation has seen an increase in the dumping of garbage, boundary fence destruction, and firewood theft. According to Warren Sedlacek, Natural Resource Specialist at Reclamation's Cascade Field Station, monitoring and managing this recreation area has become more challenging due to rapid growth and development, reduced staff, and budget cuts. He says public input is a valuable deterrent to land abuse.

"Each year, Reclamation and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, log in thousands of hours of troubleshooting, repair and regulatory enforcement in the Lake Cascade area - having the public's eyes and ears helps us do a better job." said Sedlacek.

The area surrounding Lake Cascade covers over 6,300 acres and contains over 30 miles of fencing and boundary markings on lands adjacent to public and private areas. According to 43 CFR Part 423.70 of the Federal regulation regarding public conduct on Federal lands, violators can be subject to a fine or imprisonment. These violations include property destruction, littering, trespasses, and altering fencing or boundaries.

As outlined in the Lake Cascade Resource Management Plan and consistent with internal Reclamation policy, all Federal lands are to be marked and distinguishable. These fences are designed to delineate Federal boundaries, reduce land use conflicts, and to allow for wildlife movement through the area. Walk-through pedestrian and snowmobile access gates also permit public access onto Federal lands.

Lake Cascade is about 17 miles long reaching from near the city of Cascade to Donnelly, Idaho. The reservoir provides substantial recreational activities and stores water for irrigation within the Payette Division of the Boise Project.

Reclamation asks the public to report any misuse of Federal lands or water in and around Lake Cascade. Please contact the Lake Cascade Field Office (208) 382-4258 or the Valley County Sheriff at (208) 382-7150.

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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.