KOOTENAI VALLEY — The Bonneville Power Administration is seeking comments to help determine issues that should be addressed in an environmental review for the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge floodplain reconnection project. 

BPA is proposing to fund the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho project to restore floodplain connectivity to the Kootenai River historic flood plains within the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge in Boundary County, west of Bonners Ferry. 

The KNWR is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is a co-sponsor of the project with the Tribe.  

Project activities would include breaching levees, raising roads, replacing water control structures, enhancing wetlands, and re-establishing wetland connections, BPA officials said in a press release. The project area encompasses about 2,330 acres.

BPA may create an environmental assessment according to National Environmental Policy Act guidelines to examine the potential environmental impacts of the plan. In the event BPA officials decide the EA is necessary, the report will examine the project's funding proposal as well as a no-action option. 

The assessment would also detail anticipated impacts to natural and human resources and identify mitigation measures to help avoid or minimize impacts. During the process, BPA officials will work with landowners, tribes, federal, state and local agencies, and interest groups. 

The USFWS would cooperate in the preparation of the EA to support its NEPA decision for proposed modifications to refuge management. 

BPA held a public scoping meeting in Bonners Ferry on April 30. Comments should be sent in by May 18 so they may be considered in the environmental review. When commenting, refer to the full project name. All comments will be posted on the BPA comment website. 

Comments submitted to date have focused on several concerns of additional wetlands. One comment argued that farmland provides more food for birds and encourages populations. Others were concerned that the proposed project could negatively affect current recreation and tourism opportunities at the refuge. 

A comment from the Idaho Bird Records Committee believed the project would benefit waterfowl, while in the past there have been irregularities in the water foul population. 

Land owners neighboring the project area wanted more information on which levees would be affected, if additional wetlands would increase mosquito infestations and were concerned on construction affecting commute to town and access to emergency services. 

The EA determination will take place this summer and, if warranted, a draft EA will be available for public comment. If an assessment takes place it will be finalized this fall. If it is decided for the project to advance, construction would be set to start in summer 2025.