Lake Lowell will be officially open for the boating season on Friday, April 15th.
On that day, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge will re-open the Lower Dam Recreation Area and all boat ramps in the area for recreationist.
Boat ramps are located at the east and west ends of the Upper Dam, the Lower Dam Recreation Area, and Parking Lots 1 and 7 on the south side of the lake.
“Lake Lowell at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge is a destination for families in the summer,” said Refuge Manager Annette de Knijf. “We encourage boaters and visitors to watch for fishing osprey and bald eagles, surface-nesting western and Clark’s grebes, and many other animals who will also be using the lake this summer.”
Officials do want to remind boaters to slow down for wildlife and pay special attention to “no-wake” zones.
Boaters need to be aware of a 200-yard no-entry buffer zone around a nesting colony of Clark’s and Western grebes in the narrows. The birds are sensitive to disturbance and are listed as imperiled by the State of Idaho.
The nests are built in vegetation directly on the water and can be easily damaged by a wake from a boat. The zone will be clearly labeled with “No Entry” buoys on the water side and “Area Closed” signs along the shoreline.
Visitors are encouraged to visit the Visitor Center which features views of the lake and opportunities to learn about wildlife. The Visitor Center is open from 8 AM to 4 PM weekdays and 10 AM to 4 PM Saturdays. For more information, visit here.
