Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge and Other Boise Projects

By executive order #7655, the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1909 (see Map). Before the settlemen of Idaho, the great flights of waterfowl heading south in autumn used to cross the long shallow valley without missing beat, because there wasn't much reason for a tired, hungry duck on the move to give the place a second look.

But then that valley was transformed into a reservoir and the surround area made safe for all kinds of wildlife. The refuge provides a haven for migratory waterfowl of the Pacific Flyway. Some of the waterfowl like the refuge so well that they make it their home--especially the ducks. Geese use the lake for rest and food and then fly on their way.

The Civilian Conservation Corps, better known as the CCC, was established in 1935 at Lake Lowell as a source for the Boise Project. Living at camp at the lower embankment, the group widened and riprapped the embankments into which the water has eaten away.

The dam was barley wide enough for the road at the time the CCC crews started work there.

They strung telephone wire, took out wooden flumes, and siphons are replaced them with tile. They built other irrigation structures, worked on canals, and on the roads.

Many young men who came here from the east to work with the CCC liked the country so well that--after their enlistment was over--they made their homes here. Some in the Riverside Community, shown here.