The continuation of riparian habitat management and improvements at sterling WMA provides valuable nesting, loafing, and food sources for waterfowl as well as a large variety of terrestrial wildlife…

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) received a $519,971 Project Grant award on September 22, 2025, from the Bureau of Reclamation under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (CFDA 15.517) to continue riparian habitat management and improvements at Sterling Wildlife Management Area (WMA) through September 30, 2028. The grant funds enhancement and management activities that build upon cost-share financial assistance agreements established since 1994 between the Bureau of Reclamation and IDFG related to the American Falls Dam portion of the Minidoka Project.

The project delivers habitat improvements and wildlife management services designed to support waterfowl and terrestrial wildlife species. Key deliverables include implementation of high-intensity, short-duration grazing to provide 100–300 acres of early spring green pasture forage for migrating waterfowl annually; conversion of Russian olive to native trees and shrubs to develop productive vegetation communities; and open water wetland management to increase physical diversity and wildlife habitat quality. The funded work also generates information and research outcomes shared through educational institutions, professional journals, and conferences to inform riparian management practices throughout the western United States. Additionally, habitat improvements enhance public recreational experiences by reducing noxious weeds and Russian olive encroachment, thereby improving access and supporting stronger wildlife populations for hunting and wildlife observation activities.

Activities

American falls DAM is part of the bureau of reclamation s minidoka project. Since 1994, reclamation and idfg have entered into management agreements and several cost share financial assistance agreements for the development, maintenance, and enhancement of wildlife projects at the sterling WMA. This award is to continue these enhancement and management activities of the sterling WMA. Expected deliverables or outcomes: project will provide the following benefits:wildlife resources: project will improve and enhance habitats that can more effectively attract and support local and migratory wildlife species year-round. High intensity short duration grazing will result in 100-300 acres of early spring green pasture forage available for migrating waterfowl annually. Conversion of russian olive to native trees and shrubs will develop and sustain more productive vegetation, including understory vegetation communities that benefit multiple wildlife species. Public users: actions to improve and enhance swma habitats will provide the public with higher quality recreational experiences. Fewer noxious weeds and less russian olive should increase ease of travel within habitats, decrease movement and establishment of weeds to new locations, and support stronger populations of wildlife. Management of open water wetlands to increase diversity of physical characteristics should provide more opportunity for both hunters and bird watchers across a larger area than is currently available, and help redistribute hunting pressures across more ponds wetlands to reduce crowding. Maintenance of roads, fences, signage and infrastructure will provide users with clearly delineated areas for parking, travel, and boundary locations. Signage will provide information on the swma and current swma projects and wildlife, and improve the ease with which users can find information to enhance their user experience. Removal of obsolete internal fence will reduce obstacles to user recreation. Equipment and facilities maintained in good working order provide safe working conditions for staff, increases staff efficiency and results in more staff time spent on habitat and infrastructure projects that directly benefit public users.

Intended beneficiaries

Project will improve and enhance habitats that can more effectively attract and support local and migratory wildlife species year-round. This project actions will also improve and enhance swma habitats will provide the public with higher quality recreational experiences. Subrecipient activities (if known or specified at time of award): n a