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Q General description: Much of Idaho is covered by the Rocky Mountains. 



Southward, however, they are replaced by the Columbia Plateau and to the 



southeast by the Basin and Range country. In the Rockies scattered bogs and 



bog lakes such as Hager Pond occur. The most common wetland types reported 



were marshes associated with meandering rivers such as the Boise, Kootenai, 



and Payette. Duck Valley is a typical high desert wetland along the Owyhee 



River. 



Status of the wetlands: Most of the state's larger wetlands have been disturbed 

 by drainage operations. Market Lake, for example, was originally a marsh. It 

 was drained to facilitate construction of the railroad and has since been 

 restored. Currently, overgrazing, drainage, and pollution by sewage, mine, and 

 smelter wastes threaten certain of the remaining significant wetlands. 



Source of data: Most of the information was supplied by the Idaho Fish and 

 Game Department and university biologists. 



Recommendations: Among the valley wetlands reported, the Boise River 

 drainage comprising some 20,000 acres represents a fascinating complex of 

 meandered sloughs which should be given high priority for designation as a 

 Natural Landmark. Although some grazing is reported, a section of the river 

 should be set aside and maintained free of disturbance. Farther south and sur- 

 rounded by desert on either side is Duck Valley, adjacent to the Owyhee 

 River— a less disturbed lowland owned by the Shoshone-Piaute Indians. The 

 river bottom along the lower Coeur d'Alene River, part of the Killarney Wildlife 

 Management Area, is a highly productive wetland under management. The 

 phytogeography of this area has been described by Humphrey (1924). The 

 Kootenai Valley, once a vast marsh, has been drained for agriculture. The river 

 is currently protected by dikes. Although under management, portions of this 

 valley might still qualify for Natural Landmark status. The Sterling wetlands are 

 largely owned by the state and federal government and may, depending upon 

 the management policies, qualify for national recognition. Market Lake, a 

 12,000 acre restored marsh, should also be given high priority. Hager Pond, in 

 the northern Rocky Mountain section of the state, represents a unique bog lake 

 with a typical bog flora. It was the only such bog area reported and should be 

 given careful scrutiny, even though limited in size. The Payette Valley is a 

 poorly drained alkali area, but is highly productive in waterfowl and shore birds. 

 This wetland, estimated to be 5000 acres, if adequately protected, should be 

 eligible for national recognition. 



Literature cited 



Humphrey, H. B. 1924. The phytogeography of the Coeur D'Alene flood plain 

 of northern Idaho. Ecology 5:6-13. 



