From water-delivery restoration to habitat enhancement and access improvements, Camas National Wildlife Refuge is poised for a bright future
IFM Staff Report
Looking for a quiet getaway where your love of nature can take flight? For anyone with a penchant for bird-watching and wildlife photography, it’s hard to beat a quick 40-mile jaunt up Interstate 15 to explore the Camas National Wildlife Refuge. This world-class bird sanctuary is renowned for its rich biodiversity and vibrant ecosystems.
Established in 1937, the refuge spans approximately 11,000 acres and serves as a critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species, particularly migratory birds. The refuge is named after the camas plant, a native wildflower whose roots were a staple food for Native American tribes.
A Habitat for Renewal
Like many wild places and spaces in eastern Idaho’s high-desert country, Camas NWR has had its share of ups and downs over the decades. Thanks to public interest and government funding, the sprawling expanse is now closing in on an intense $7.8 million restoration effort that promises to rejuvenate the refuge and its habitat.
The project’s ambitious goals included rehabilitation of the refuge’s water delivery systems, improvement of critical bird and wildlife habitat, enhancement of public access and efforts to improve roadways for visiting birdwatchers, photographers and hunters.
“This will be an incredible improvement for Camas National Wildlife Refuge – for both our wildlife and our visitors,” said refuge manager Brian Wehausen at the outset of the project in early 2022. “The combination of climate change, reduced snowpack and changes in local agricultural practices since the 1980s have altered the hydrology of the area, making it difficult to manage water effectively. This project will make us a good neighbor through improved water use.”
According to Brent Lawrence of the National Wildlife Service, the project is a result of funding from the Great American Outdoor Act, supporting a decade-long campaign to conserve, connect and restore 30% of federal lands and waters by 2030.
“The effort aims to support locally led and voluntary conservation work across public, private, and Tribal lands and waters,” Lawrence notes. “This initiative will also create jobs and strengthen the economy’s foundation, tackle the climate and nature crises, and address inequitable access to the outdoors.”
The majority of the project was originally slated for completion by the fall of 2022, followed by continued developments into the summer of this year. Major accomplishments include the relocation of wells closer to the most productive wetlands, replacement of 3 miles of open water delivery ditches and an additional Camas Creek diversion structure to improve wetlands within the waterfowl hunting area.
Additional improvements include:
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Resurfacing approximately 6 miles of auto-tour route with gravel.
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Asphalting a section of bird trail to make it more ADA-friendly.
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Updating and replacing all refuge interpretive signs.
According to Lawrence, the refuge is also looking to the future with its infrastructure projects. “The boardwalk will be made with recycled material, which has a 50-year life expectancy and will significantly reduce the refuge’s cost to maintain. The refuge is also installing solar panels to offset power costs by providing green energy into the system. The three 100 kilowatt solar panel arrays, a first for a Service facility in Idaho, will offset about 80% of the electrical costs associated with providing water to the new habitat.”
A Home for Wildlife
The diverse habitats within Camas National Wildlife Refuge include wetlands, grasslands, and sagebrush steppe. These varied environments support a multitude of species. The wetlands, in particular, are a key feature, providing crucial nesting and feeding grounds for waterfowl and other feathered species. The refuge is also an important stopover for migratory birds during their seasonal journeys.
Birdwatchers flock to Camas to observe the spring and fall migrations. The refuge provides a temporary home to thousands of sandhill cranes, Canada geese, and tundra swans. Other notable avian residents include bald eagles, hawks, and a variety of shorebirds. The wetlands are also inhabited by amphibians, reptiles, and numerous invertebrate species, contributing to a complex and interdependent ecosystem.
Conservation efforts include habitat restoration, water management, and invasive species control. These measures ensure the refuge remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a place where ecological processes can occur naturally.
Recreation and Education
Camas National Wildlife Refuge offers various recreational opportunities for visitors. Wildlife observation, photography, and birdwatching are popular activities. The refuge has designated trails and observation points to facilitate these activities while minimizing human impact on the environment. During certain seasons, regulated hunting is permitted, contributing to wildlife management and providing recreational opportunities.
Educational programs and guided tours are available to enhance public understanding of the refuge's ecological importance. These programs aim to foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation and the role refuges play in protecting biodiversity.
Through dedicated conservation efforts and careful management, the refuge continues to fulfill its mission of preserving natural habitats and providing a haven for wildlife. Visitors to the refuge can enjoy the beauty and diversity of this unique landscape, gaining a greater appreciation for the importance of wildlife conservation.
For more information, check out the refuge’s National Wildlife Service web page at fws.gov/refuge/camas. Another great resource is Friends of Camas, a community group dedicated to the conservation and restoration of the property. Check out the group and its efforts at friendsofcamas.org.
DIRECTIONS: Take Exit No. 150 off of I-15 North near Hamer. Take a left at the community’s welcome sign (usually sporting some kind of charming thought of the week), head 3 miles north and hang another left toward the refuge. Be sure to park at the refuge office to pick up a bird list and map.