Crapo on Lake Lowell: If It Isn't Broken, Don't Fix It

Washington, D.C.   - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today issued preliminary recommendations for changes at southwest Idaho's Lake Lowell and Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.  Under the agency review process, a public comment period will now open regarding the agency's preferred alternative plan for the lake, which is to restrict public access and boating.  Idaho Senator Mike Crapo issued the following statement following an initial review of the agency's recommendations:

"Lake Lowell has a one-hundred year track record of outstanding performance when it comes to wildlifeprotection, and use by recreationalists, sportsmen, irrigators and a host of multiple user groups.  While I will review this latest proposal from the agency in depth, I encourage the public to again weigh inand I pledge that I will continue to work with citizens, local leaders and my Delegation partners and the agency to help craft a permanent solution.

"I am disappointed with today's announcement because it appears this may be a case of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposing a solution that is in search of a problem.  My feeling can be generally categorized as 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it.'   Based on this preliminary recommendation, it appears that the agency may simply be satisfying a bureaucratic requirement that ignores the facts on the ground."