News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces Temporary Closure of Project Lands to Public Use Downstream of American Falls Dam

Media Contact: Venetia Gempler, (208) 378-5020, 03/01/2012 15:05
Hap Boyer, rboyer@usbr.gov

For Release: March 01, 2012

The Bureau of Reclamation is announcing its decision to implement a non-emergency closure of its project lands along the Snake River downstream of American Falls Dam. The subject lands are in the vicinity of the Massacre Rocks State Park in Power County, Idaho. The closure affects all public use of these lands and will be effective March 31, 2012.

The area in question, which encompasses more than 4,000 acres, is experiencing degradation to a number of its resources. These resources are protected by federal laws that also task the agency to act in the best interest of their preservation. The closure is authorized by the current Code of Federal Regulations; specifically 43 CFR Part 423 under Subpart B - Areas Open and Closed to Public Use.

"Currently, Reclamation does not have the necessary protections in place to fully protect the natural and cultural resources in this area," said Hap Boyer, Natural Resources Manager in the Upper Snake Field Office of the Bureau of Reclamation. "This closure is taking place to allow Reclamation to collect the data needed to guide future management strategies and decisions."

The lands involved in this closure will remain closed to public use until proper studies can take place that will help determine how and when to re-open the lands. An amendment to the existing Resource Management Plan for this area will be undertaken as a result of the studies.

The closed lands will be patrolled by law enforcement. The public is urged to respect this closure and the need for these resources to remain undisturbed for a period of time.

For further information, please contact Robert "Hap" Boyer at (208) 678-0461, ext. 15 with the Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Snake Field Office in Burley, Idaho.

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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.