News Release Archive

Fishing and River Access Not Affected by Temporary Lands Closure Downstream of American Falls Dam

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 03/16/2012 14:34
Hap Boyer, rboyer@usbr.gov

For Release: March 16, 2012

The Bureau of Reclamation's enforcement of a temporary lands closure downstream of American Falls Dam will have no impact to fishing, river access or waterfowl hunting as the federal government works to protect cultural and historical resources.

The closure, which will be effective starting March 31, 2012, will affect access to about 2,195 acres within an area designated as a protected archaeological district, but will not restrict access to the Snake River in adjacent areas.

"In our haste to inform people about the closure, we learned that we did not provide sufficient information for the public to make an informed decision," said Hap Boyer, Natural Resources Manager for Reclamation's Upper Snake Field Office. "We regret any confusion or misinformation this may have caused, but we do want to restate that Reclamation has a legal mandate to protect the area that is being closed due to significant cultural resources identified by Native Americans."

The lands have been closed to motorized vehicles for over 15 years, and that restriction will remain in effect. Other areas along the south and north sides of the Snake River below American Falls Dam will remain open.

The closure area is adjacent to several other federal and state jurisdictions, as well as privately held property boundaries. The Bureau of Land Management has significant holdings north of Reclamation-own land. To view the closure areas see this location map: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/news/americanfalls/closemap.pdf.

"The purpose here is to amend the existing Resource Management Plan that was created back in 1994 based on new information about this area," said Chris Ketchum, Assistant Area Manager, "The best way to properly protect the area while new information is being obtained is to enforce a temporary closure order."

The 2,195 acres in question has experienced an increased risk of degradation to a number of the cultural and archeological resources within this boundary. As a public steward of these lands, Reclamation has a legal obligation to ensure they are protected. This authorization is mandated under the current Code of Federal Regulations; specifically 43 CFR Part 423 under Subpart B - Areas Open and Closed to Public Use.

Reclamation is prepared to educate and communicate with residents and the visiting public about the importance of this closure and future efforts to balance traditional recreational activities, with the need to protect cultural resources.

For more 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.