CITIZEN WORKING GROUP TO FORM

Hunters, birdwatchers, neighbors, and other local citizens will soon have an opportunity to provide input on the management of a land parcel in Boundary County. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is forming a citizen's committee to help set management direction for the Smith Creek/Ducks Unlimited wetland restoration project in Boundary County. In December 2003, Ducks Unlimited (DU), a wetland conservation and waterfowl hunting advocacy organization, acquired 620 acres of land in the Kootenai Valley near Smith Creek. DU owns the land, but under easements purchased from the previous owner by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the land is obligated for wetland restoration through the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). DU recently signed a lease and Memorandum of Understanding transferring operation of the property to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The Department accepted this responsibility to increase public recreational opportunities (especially waterfowl hunting) and to help realize the parcel's potential wildlife and fisheries values. Accepting management responsibility was also viewed as an opportunity to involve the public in development of operational guidelines and programs for the parcel. The public input process was developed with feedback and suggestions provided by local citizens through the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative (KVRI). IDFG has been participating in the local community efforts of KVRI and the KVRI Wetland/Riparian committee. KVRI provided IDFG with a forum for sharing thoughts and receiving suggestions. IDFG is now looking for individuals willing to serve on the citizen's panel/working group. The group will set their own future meeting dates, but IDFG plans to have the group in place to begin meeting monthly beginning in mid-June. Interested individuals who would like to serve on the group are asked to submit a letter of interest and qualifications to the Smith Creek/DU Working Group, c/o Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 2750 Kathleen Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815. Letters will be accepted through May 10.