History of Sand Creek WMA

History

Over the years, the Sand Creek desert has not seen a lot of change in its land use from the original settlers in the area due to the rugged terrain and predominant sandy soils. 

Historically, the area was used by livestock producers for sheep and cattle grazing. This continues today. The area is predominantly owned by federal (BLM) and state (Idaho Deparments of Land) government with some parcels of private ground that are used for livestock grazing or that have been converted for agriculture production. 

One of the most unique features of the area is the Saint Anthony Sand Dunes. These moving dunes are remnant of the prehistoric Mud Lake. The sand dune complex is approximately 11,000 acres providing recreation for over 250,000 visitors per year using the dunes for motorized recreation. With that many visitors, the habitat directly next to these dunes is fragmented by unauthorized trails through the sagebrush. Directly next to the sand dunes to the north are two mountains, North and South Juniper, which rise approximately 1,200 ft. and provide the heart of the winter range for migrating elk, mule deer, and moose. Recreation on the sand dunes is partially closed from January 1 – April 1 annually helping to reduce impacts to wintering wildlife in the area. 

Another impact to the area was the installation of an eight-foot high fence for domestic elk and bison. This private hunting ranch encompasses approximately 11,600 acres of private ground predominantly on South Juniper Mountain right in the heart of critical winter range. 

The Sand Creek Ponds is an area of diverse habitats at the base of Big Bend Ridge located at the northeast end of the WMA. The area has several pristine habitats that are home to several wildlife species throughout the year while providing several opportunities for those who are looking to recreate in the outdoors. Visitors have the option of using the area for the day or for multiple days camping at several of the designated camping sites. Fishing is a popular pastime at the ponds where three of the five bodies of water are stocked annually. The construction of the Sand Creek Ponds began in 1955 with the enlargement of Blue Creek Reservoir and initiation of Pond 4 and terminated in 1978 with the completion of Pond 1. All of the construction was supervised by Richard Wilson, the manager of Sand Creek WMA from 1950 to 1985. 

In 1955, construction of Pond 4 was initiated and finished allowing storage of 150 acre/feet of water. In 1960, Pond 4 was enlarged by raising the dike three feet in height. This work was completed in 1961 for an additional 240 acre/feet of storage. Pond 3 was initiated in June 1964 and completed in November 1965. Construction on Pond 2 was started in 1967 and was completed in 1968. Pond 1 development was started in 1969 with the removal of top soil and trees from the site location; however, actual work started in 1974 and was completed in 1978. 

The Chester Wetlands consists of 1,498 acres of deeded land, 1,481 acres of which is irrigated. Wetlands cover 762 acres, and 371 acres of the property have been farmed and grazed historically. The property has a 37.2 cfs decreed water right, 1,260 acre feet storage in Henry’s Lake, and 589 acre feet in Island Park Reservoir all through the Dewey Canal. 

In cooperation with other conservation partners, The Department was part of a North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) where several projects on the Chester Wetlands were proposed for wetland restoration for, but not limited to, waterfowl and waterbird species. Funding and projects were organized and work began late 2006. There were several bodies of water located on the property with old and dilapidated wooden water control structures. With funding through the NAWCA grant and cooperation with Ducks Unlimited, seven new water bodies were created, new water control structures were installed, and the canal that delivers the water was rebuilt. Water associated with the Chester Wetlands is part of the Dewey Canal company.