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person waterfowl hunting by a wetland at sunrise
Refuge Invites Input for New Long-Term Management Strategy

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is initiating a public scoping period to gather information for a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and habitat and species plan (HSP). This public scoping period will take place from April 21-May 20. 

The refuge is hosting two public scoping meetings on May 7 at 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the McGregor Building, 85 E. Baseline Rd., Rupert, ID, 83350. During the meetings people will be able to ask questions, provide written comments sharing what information they think the draft CCP and HSP should address, and learn about refuge management and the planning process.

For more information on the planning process, including how to provide input instead of attending a public scoping meeting visit the planning website.

Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Snake River Plain in south-central Idaho, 12 miles northeast of Rupert. It includes 80 miles of shoreline around Lake Walcott, from Minidoka Dam upstream about 25 miles. The refuge headquarters is located in Lake Walcott State Park

Visit Us

Visitors are welcome at Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge year-round and the refuge provides good opportunities to view wildlife. Birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and hunting are some of the recreational opportunities you can enjoy on the refuge. Additional activities are available at Lake Wolcott State Park including a campground and disc golf course. 

Location and Contact Information

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    Need a Permit?

    Permits enable the public to engage in legitimate wildlife-related activities that would otherwise be prohibited by law.  Service permit programs ensure that such activities are carried out in a manner that safeguards wildlife. 

    Visit our Special Use Permits websites, or contact the refuge manager at (208) 436-3589 for assistance.

    About Us

    Dozens of American White pelicans sitting on nesting islands in the middle of a lake.
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    The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The US Bureau of Reclamation operates the dam and power plant and controls the water levels in the reservoir. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation manages Lake Walcott State Park, a 30 acre fee area park near the dam that offers campgrounds, picnic areas, a disc golf course, cabins, and a boat ramp.