Management
Habitat ManagementCroplandsThe refuge manages approximately 470 acres of croplands for waterfowl; 200 acres are plowed and seeded to winter wheat and barley every year on a rotational basis. Crops are especially important during late fall and early winter as wetlands freeze and waterfowl depend on agricultural lands for forage. Rotational farming is used on Refuge croplands to break weed cycles and to allow volunteer crops to offset the cost of annual planting. To control invasive species or non-desirable plants, the Refuge uses an Integrated Pest Management Approach. Mechanical, chemical, and biological control methods and sometimes prescribed burns are used. The Refuge also monitors for new invasive species. Wetlands Prior to the establishment of KNWR, the land base was manipulated through diking of the Kootenai River and its tributaries, and draining of wetlands in order to facilitate farming as was most of the river floodplain. The restoration of the Refuge required the creation of a system of dikes, ditches, water control structures, and pumps to manage wetlands for wildlife. The Refuge contains both permanent and seasonal wetlands. Permanent wetlands are kept flooded year-round, while seasonal wetlands are drained, or "drawn down" in spring and summer to promote the germination of food plants needed by waterfowl. In the fall, these wetlands are reflooded, allowing ducks and geese to forage. Periodically, seasonal wetlands are disked to "recycle" old vegetation and increase their productivity. These shallow wetlands warm up early in the spring, producing large amounts of invertebrates which provide waterfowl with the protein necessary for egg production and food for their young. Permanent wetlands provide resting areas for migrating waterfowl and important nesting and brood-rearing habitat for many wetland-dependent species. Pasture and Grassland The Refuge manages improved pasture for foraging elk, deer, and to a lesser extent moose and grassland areas as cover for ground nesting birds. Improved pastures in the closed area of the Refuge are seeded to various pasture mixes and maintained through mowing and control of noxious weed species. These grasslands are an extremely important winter food source for as many as 240 elk and 80 deer. Riparian Habitat Restoration efforts have been implemented in riparian habitat on the refuge by planting cottonwood and other native trees. Instream Habitat The refuge contains portions of Deep, Myrtle and Cascade Creeks. These watercourses provide important instream habitat for native fish species. Besides riparian habitat restoration efforts, the Refuge has cooperated with the IDFG and the Kootenai Tribe to reestablish Kokanee in Myrtle Creek. Forest At this time no active management is taking place in the forested portion of the Refuge accept for active fire suppression. Some selective thinning maybe necessary in the future, especially in the drier forest areas.
Hunting and Fishing InformationWaterfowl Hunting Kootenai NWR provides one of the few public waterfowl hunting opportunities in northern Idaho. Waterfowl hunting is allowed on the Refuge in accordance with state seasons and regulations, on Tues, Thurs, Sat, and Sun, all day (dawn to dusk). No permits or fees are required (other than a valid hunting license and Duck Stamp.) Hunters may use the hunt blinds but are not obligated to do so. There are 2, ADA accessible hunt blinds available on a reservation basis. Waterfowl hunters are not allowed to enter the waterfowl hunt area until 3:00 a.m. on a waterfowl hunt day. The Refuge participates in the State's Youth Waterfowl Hunt which normally occurs around the last weekend in September. Youths must be accompanied by an adult with a hunting license. Retrieving dogs, while not required, are encouraged in order to reduce the number of lost birds during the hunt. Big Game Big game hunting is allowed on approximately 500 acres of the Refuge, west of the Westside Road and west of Lions Den Road, during state seasons. Other areas of the Refuge are closed to big game hunting. Big game hunting also occurs on National Forest land adjacent to the Refuge's west boundary. The hunting of deer, elk, black bear, moose, and mountain lion is allowed seven days a week during the state designated seasons. There is a 1/2 mile "no shooting zone" near the Refuge Headquarters in order to protect Refuge employees and visitors. Currently, 500 acres or 18% of the Refuge is open to big game hunting. Upland Game Upland Game hunting is allowed on approximately 500 acres of the Refuge, west of the Westside Road and west of Lions Den Road during state seasons. Other areas of the Refuge are closed to upland game hunting. The hunting of ruffed, spruce, and blue grouse is permitted seven days a week during the state season. Sport Fishing Native fishes historically present in Refuge waters included bull trout, redband trout, kokanee, and burbot. Kootenai River white sturgeon probably used delta areas of Deep and Myrtle Creeks for foraging. Today, of these native species, only bull trout and possibly, redband trout, still occur in Refuge waters. Fishing is permitted only from the banks of Myrtle Creek along the auto tour road. Boats, float tubes, and other personal flotation devices are not allowed. There are no other areas on the Refuge open to fishing opportunities. Bull trout are federally listed as threatened and must be released.
Endangered Species Management
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Last updated:
February 20, 2009
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