The Camas National Wildlife Refuge provides essential resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for waterfowl including migratory birds. A variety of other animals, large and small, are found there, too. Since the refuge was established in 1937, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has been responsible for managing this vital resource.
Traditionally, Camas Creek and groundwater inflow have fed the wetlands that birds and other wildlife rely on. Recent drought and changes to irrigation practices have resulted in lower groundwater levels and a loss of wetlands. To compensate, the FWS has increasingly relied on pumping groundwater to fill these wetlands.
This management technique is expensive and is not a viable long-term water management strategy for the USFWS.
We are collecting and analyzing new data to quantify seepage rates for selected stream sections, ponds, and lakes at the refuge. Camas National Wildlife Refuge managers will use this information to evaluate alternative water management strategies.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Estimated seepage rates from selected ditches, ponds, and lakes at the Camas National Wildlife Refuge, eastern Idaho
Characterization of sediment and measurement of groundwater levels and temperatures, Camas National Wildlife Refuge, eastern Idaho
Below are partners associated with this project.
- Overview
The Camas National Wildlife Refuge provides essential resting, feeding, and nesting habitat for waterfowl including migratory birds. A variety of other animals, large and small, are found there, too. Since the refuge was established in 1937, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has been responsible for managing this vital resource.
Traditionally, Camas Creek and groundwater inflow have fed the wetlands that birds and other wildlife rely on. Recent drought and changes to irrigation practices have resulted in lower groundwater levels and a loss of wetlands. To compensate, the FWS has increasingly relied on pumping groundwater to fill these wetlands.
This management technique is expensive and is not a viable long-term water management strategy for the USFWS.
We are collecting and analyzing new data to quantify seepage rates for selected stream sections, ponds, and lakes at the refuge. Camas National Wildlife Refuge managers will use this information to evaluate alternative water management strategies.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Estimated seepage rates from selected ditches, ponds, and lakes at the Camas National Wildlife Refuge, eastern Idaho
The Camas National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) in eastern Idaho, established in 1937, contains wetlands, ponds, and wet meadows that are essential resting and feeding habitat for migratory birds and nesting habitat for waterfowl. Initially, natural sources of water supported these habitats. However, during the past few decades, changes in climate and surrounding land use have altered and reduced natuAuthorsGordon W. RattrayCharacterization of sediment and measurement of groundwater levels and temperatures, Camas National Wildlife Refuge, eastern Idaho
The Camas National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) in eastern Idaho, established in 1937, contains wetlands, ponds, and wet meadows that are essential resting and feeding habitat for migratory birds and nesting habitat for waterfowl. Initially, natural sources of water supported these habitats. However, during the past few decades, climate change and changes in surrounding land use have altered and reducAuthorsBrian V. Twining, Gordon W. Rattray - Partners
Below are partners associated with this project.