By Dallin Saurey

Photos courtesy of Idaho Fish & Game

REXBURG—Maybe I should not tell any one about this place because I want to preserve the peace and quiet there.

According to the Idaho Fish and Game’s History of Market Lake WMA,“ Development and management of Market Lake WMA (Wildlife Management area) began in 1956 with the acquisition of 2,845 acres of farmland and pasture as well as numerous wetlands and marshes. Smaller land acquisitions took place for more than 30 years up until 1988, at which time Market Lake WMA totals 5,067 acres.”

According to IFG’s website, the WMA is now 6,062 acres of protected land near Roberts, open to the public, with the main purpose of waterfowl production, wildlife habitat, and wildlife-based recreation. It got its name from the “market” hunters attracted to the area as large waterfowl flocks would migrate.

After reading about it, I decided to have a phone interview with the Habitat Biologist for Market Lake District, Brett Gullett. I couldn’t type as fast as he can talk so I will have to present maybe half of the interesting things he told me.

My first question was, “What is the biggest challenge you face managing Market Lake?”

“It is the 12 square miles of flood plain,” Gullett said. “Only 30 percent are in the wildlife management area. The private sector of the lakebed is lower in elevation than the recreation part of the lakebed. Therefore, adding water to wetlands or swamp areas may flood lower elevations and farmer’s fields. You can’t see part of the lakebed.” Some marshes have too many cattails. You want to have a 50-50 ratio on cattails to water.”

Some of the work out there includes controlled burns. Wildlife conservation charity Ducks Unlimited is working on a new wetland plan for the WMA to more efficiently use wildlife habitat. Among others, Snake River Audubon Society assists in trash collection, the East Idaho Vintage Motor Car Club comes out to pick up trash twice a year and the Pittman Robertson Act paid for the removal of six miles of interior fences, including electrical wire and barbed wire for the buffalo fields.

Volunteers help transplant snowberries around the area. Snowberries are for deer, elk, and upland game birds.

The Pittman Roberson Act aids almost half the financial management of all wildlife management areas. Another half of the budget is from hunting licenses.

When I asked Mr. Gullett his personal goals for the future of Market Lake, I was impressed with his high standards. He said, “To be a leader in soil management, and for waterfowl and migratory birds, like white-faced Ibis and Franklin gulls, to maintain their populations.”

Thousands of birds stop in this area. Nearby, the Camas National Wildlife Refuge and Deer Parks WMA, are also quick stops for birds.

The nearest quick stop to Market Lake for the rest of us mortals is three miles north, off Interstate 15 in Roberts. Depending on what people want to do at Market Lake there is something for every season. In the fall, they can hunt upland game birds or big game. In the spring, there are a lot of bird watchers. People go four-wheeling, horseback riding, and hiking in the summer months.

I used to take my bird watching classes to Market Lake to see the rare “Least Bittern,” and “American Bittern.” Many times people express their thoughts on the beauty of Market Lake. They enjoy the peace and quiet.

More info: The Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 | US House of Representatives: History, Art & Archives