Lake Lowell Meeting Set to Discuss Future Boating

Nampa - The future of boating on Lake Lowell south of Nampa will be the focus of a meeting Saturday at the lake. Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has called for a meeting of recreational users, local officials, residents and others to seek an update from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service is in the process of creating a new comprehensive management plan for the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge on Lake Lowell. Some lake users are concerned that the process could restrict or ban power boating on the lake, a popular recreation area in Southwest Idaho.

"Recreation is a vital part of our lifestyle and our economy, as well as a historical use of Lake Lowell," Crapo said. "I am encouraged by the strong response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's call for public comment, but the comment period for the new management plan is scheduled to close in mid-September. Now is the time for recreationalists and residents to weigh in and let our elected leaders, as well as the Service, know their feelings about the future use of Lake Lowell."

Crapo noted local irrigators helped create Lake Lowell, which is fed by canals supplying water to local agricultural users and property owners. Irrigators, recreational groups and elected officials will all be in attendance for the lake meeting, scheduled for Saturday morning on the west end of the lake at the lower dam. County commissioners, members of the Idaho House and Senate, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Officials, boaters and recreational interests and businesses will attend.