Idfg Seeks Comment On Plan For Chester Wetlands Segment Of Sand Creek WMA

IDAHO FALLS - It took years for the dream to become a reality, but finally the Chester Wetlands segment of Sand Creek Management Area has been set aside for the benefit of sportsmen and wildlife alike. While acquisition was a long and arduous task, it was only the first step of the journey; the next step is the development of a management plan for how the area will be run. A plan has been developed and a meeting has been set in St. Anthony for April 30 to present the plan to the public for review. The 1,501-acre parcel had been closed to the public since 1989, but thanks to the efforts of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the support of the Fremont County Commissioners it is once again open. TNC originally purchased the property and currently is in the middle of a two-stage process to sell the property to the Idaho Department of Fish & Game. Development of this management plan utilizing public input is part of the transfer agreement. Copies of the proposed plan are available at the Chester Wetlands office, the IDFG regional office in Idaho Falls, and soon to be posted on IDFG's website at:
http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/news/NewAdditions/updates.htm
The actual meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 30 at 7:00 P.M. at the Fremont County Courthouse in St. Anthony. Public comments will be used to draft a final version of the plan. From this plan IDFG will develop work and budget plans so that actual work can begin on the parcel, which has been formally incorporated into the larger Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area. Efforts to acquire property for both wildlife and sportsmen first began at Sand Creek in 1947. Individuals with disabilities may request meeting accommodations by contacting Jeff Short at the Idaho Department of Fish & Game at 624-7065 or through the Idaho Relay Service at 1-800-377-3529(TDD). Individuals not able to attend, but wishing to comment may do so via E-mail at jshort@idfg.state.id.us or by regular mail to Sand Creek Wildlife Management Area / 758 N. 2000 E. / St. Anthony, ID 83445. The deadline for all comments is 5:00 P.M. on May 3, 2002.