Washington, DC – Senator Jim Risch made the following statement regarding the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s preliminary recommendations for changes at southwest Idaho’s Lake Lowell and Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.

"When Deer Flat NWR was created more than 100 years ago it was originally a refuge. However, it use has changed drastically over the last century and today the community successfully balances the needs of all users and recreational use has expanded greatly. The Fish and Wildlife Service needs to recognize that reality

"I am particularly disappointed that FWS made a decision to ratchet back the recreational use enjoyed by so many people in Canyon County over the years. It is critical that the FWS reevaluate its proposals so that it maintains recreational use at least at current levels."

###