Kootenai Wildlife Refuge seeks comment on plans

Two open houses will be held to discuss issues, concerns and recommendations for the future of Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge outside Bonners Ferry.

Meetings will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Bonners Ferry Visitors Center. Presentations will be made at 4 and 7 p.m. respectively.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which operates the refuge, is seeking information as it develops a guide for managing the 2,774-acre facility for the next 15 years.

Presentations during the open houses will focus on the planning process. Information also will be available on the refuge’s wildlife, habitat management and restoration, and public use. 

Comments can be mailed to Dianna M. Ellis, refuge manager for Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, 287 Westside Road, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, 83805; sent by fax at 267-5570; or e-mailed to FW1PlanningComments@fws.gov. Type Kootenai NWR CCP in the subject line if sent by e-mail.

Additional opportunities to comment will occur throughout the planning process as draft documents are completed and made available for public review.

To receive updates, call the refuge at 267-3888 to be placed on the mailing list.