Idaho Department of Fish and Game Grant: Implementing Conservation for Cascade Reservoir Wildlife Areas

In 2002, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) designated lands at the Cascade Project through the Lake Cascade Resource Management Plan as Wildlife Management Areas and Conservation Areas. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game will implement the conservation and maintenance needs for the Cascade Reservoir (Reservoir) and surrounding areas by providing their labor force for the various project activities. The management of conservation practices will benefit both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife which is important to maintain and enhance the integrity of these lands.

The Reservoir has experienced an increase in nutrients that caused harmful algal blooms that led to Human Health Advisories issued by Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in 2018 and 2019. Cascade Reservoir also has the largest known colony of nesting Grebes, a Tier II Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Idaho, but the number of nests in the past few years have diminished due to nesting disturbance and water quality related issues.

Through the years past conservation practices have gone into disrepair, and through this agreement the first priority for fiscal year 2020 will included installing 7.5 miles of wildlife-friendly fence along the west side of the Reservoir. This will benefit the resources by eliminating grazing and off-road vehicle access to the wildlife management and conservation areas surrounding Cascade Reservoir.

Work beyond the first year will occur if funding is available and both agencies agree on the priorities of the conservation activities and terms for the Reservoir.