Under the proposal released Friday, federal managers would close habitats seasonally at the Canyon County refuge to protect wildlife and continue to allow almost all existing upland and on-water recreation.
Plan details include:
• Protect Lake Lowell's shoreline feeding and nesting sites for wintering and migratory birds by closing the lake Oct. 1 to April 14; establishing a 200-yard no-wake zone on the south side and in the Narrows; and expanding the southeast no-wake zone to Gotts Point.
• Walking, jogging, horseback riding, bicycling and dogs on-leash on designated trails only.
• Swimming allowed in areas designated at Lower Dam Recreation Area and at Upper Dam only.
• Gotts Point would open to vehicles.
• Most islands would be open for shoreline fishing and free-roam activities from June 15 to Jan. 31; heron- and gull-nesting islands would be open from July 1 to Jan. 31.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will take public comment on the draft proposal through May 15.
The agency will hold six open houses at the refuge visitor center, 13751 Upper Embankment Road, to provide details on the plan: March 29, noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.; March 30, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; April 26, noon-3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.; and April 27, 10 a.m.-to 3 p.m.
