Annual Closure Set For Important Trumpeter Swan Nests At Sand Creek WMA

St. Anthony - For the eleventh straight year, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game will restrict human access and delay the start of fishing season in two ponds at the Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to help isolate two pairs of nesting trumpeter swans. The nesting trumpeters are located on Ponds 2 and 4 in the main pond complex. Fishing and public access will be restricted in these areas until July 1. According to Regional Habitat Biologist Dennis Aslett who is in charge of the Sand Creek WMA, "Last year 11 cygnets hatched, a group of six and another of five. All five of the cygnets in the first group disappeared, but five of the group of six survived to flight stage." Trumpeter swans are generally intolerant of human disturbance during the nesting period, particularly if the nesting pair are young birds or if the nesting territory was established in the absence of human activity. A common result of human disturbance is nest abandonment and the resulting loss of production for the year. The two active nests at Sand Creek WMA are of special importance because according to the Ruth Shea, Executive Director of the Trumpeter Swan Society, "There are presently only eight active trumpeter swan nests in the Upper Snake Region, and Sand Creek has two of those!" Concern for successful nesting of trumpeter swans is high because the birds are listed as a Priority Species under the Species of Special Concern designation in Idaho. This listing means that they are to receive as much protection as necessary to promote successful nesting. Young swans, or cygnets, have been produced every year since restrictions have been imposed and Sand Creek has been a major contributor to the local trumpeter swan population. The Upper Snake River Valley continues to play a leading role in the recovery of these magnificent birds. The cooperation of sportsmen at Sand Creek will help insure the success of the recovery efforts. To provide recreational fishing opportunities, Ponds 1 and 3 have been stocked with a good number of rainbow trout and are currently open to fishing.