Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Delayed

50-acre land acquisition still in the works after longer-than-expected timeline

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Despite a longer-than-anticipated timeline, a deal that would expand the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge near Boise, Idaho by 50 acres is still in the works. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has been working to acquire the land near the intersection of 12th Ave. Rd. and Lewis Ln. for the past three years, but the transaction has not yet been finalized.

Why it matters

The proposed expansion would help preserve open space in the rapidly developing Treasure Valley region, providing more recreational opportunities like hunting and fishing for local residents. However, the delay in finalizing the deal has caused some apprehension among supporters of the wildlife refuge.

The details

The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge has been working to acquire the 50-acre parcel of land near Boise for the past three years. Last summer, the refuge director, Eddie Owens, met with the Canyon County Board of County Commissioners to ask for their approval of the eventual transaction. While an agreement between the landowners and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was extended through September, the deal has still not been finalized.

  • In the summer of 2025, the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge began working to acquire the 50-acre parcel of land.
  • Last summer, the refuge director met with the Canyon County Board of County Commissioners to discuss the proposed land acquisition.
  • The agreement between the landowners and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was extended through September 2025.

The players

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

A wildlife refuge located near Boise, Idaho that is seeking to expand its protected land by 50 acres.

Eddie Owens

The director of the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge who met with local officials to discuss the proposed land acquisition.

Canyon County Board of County Commissioners

The local government body that the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge director met with to discuss the proposed land acquisition.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The federal agency that is working to finalize the acquisition of the 50-acre parcel of land for the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.

JD Henry

The Board President of the Friends of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, a nonprofit organization that supports conservation activities at the refuge.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge win for residents and wildlife in the Treasure Valley, and I truly believe we will have reason to celebrate once the transaction is complete.”

— JD Henry, Board President, Friends of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Text message)

“At the same time, I still feel some apprehension, as there is no clear timeline for completion. The waiting, especially with so much uncertainty, is the most difficult part.”

— JD Henry, Board President, Friends of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Text message)

What’s next

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has indicated that it does not have any updates on the transaction and has suggested checking back in a few months for more information on the status of the proposed land acquisition.

The takeaway

The delayed timeline for the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge's expansion highlights the challenges of preserving open space in rapidly developing regions like the Treasure Valley. While the proposed 50-acre acquisition would be a significant win for local wildlife and recreation, the uncertainty around the completion of the deal has caused some apprehension among supporters of the refuge.