his is a volunteer event day and requires that everyone fills out a Volunteer Service Agreement on the day of the event. Participants under 18 years old will need a parent’s or guardian’s signature. Watercraft equipment is not provided and we ask participants to bring their canoe/kayak/paddle boards, paddles and lifejackets. Basic paddling skills and wearing lifejackets are required. Everyone must follow state regulations on having an Invasive Species Boat sticker on your watercraft and carry a whistle.

Date: Saturday, August 23 

Agenda: Please be ready by 9:30 AM to spend more time on the water for this group effort.

• Before 9:30 AM: Get gear ready, especially if you need to inflate your watercraft

  9:30 - 10:00 AM: Paperwork, safety briefing prep for the water

  10:00 - 11:15 AM: Paddle clean up

  11:15 - 11:30 AM: Wrap up

Registration Required: We are capping the program at 20 participants. Please register to reserve your spot by Wednesday, August 20 at 4:00 PM on this Microsoft Form.

Water Conditions: This event is dependent on the weather and water conditions. If it is unsafe to be on the water we will have to cancel. We will notify registered participants and update this page with changes.

What to Bring: Lifejackets, paddles, canoe/kayak/paddleboards, whistle, sunscreen, sunglasses, close toed shoes, hat, water and snacks. We will provide supplies to pick up litter such as bags, gloves, and litter grabbers.

Location: Access Number 8, south end of the Lower Dam, next to intersection of Riverside Road and Lowell Road. (Google Maps Pin, review Refuge Map). We will park at the parking lot at Access Number 8.

Directions from Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center:

• Leave the Visitor Center driveway and turn left onto Upper Embankment Rd. heading North.

  Continue straight onto Indiana Ave.

  Turn West on Orchard Ave.

  At the end of Orchard Ave. turn left onto Sunny Slope Rd./Riverside Dr.

  Continue across the dam and once you reach intersection between Lake Shore Drive, turn left

  Access Number 8 is on the corner of this intersection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to providing access to these events for all participants. Please direct all requests for accommodations to DeerFlat@fws.gov or 208-467-9278, at least 10 days before the event.