CHOIS Connection is published quarterly by Christian Homeschoolers Of Idaho State.
This article appeared in a previous issue.
CHOIS Connection
Discovering Idaho
by Connie Seward
"SWAN FALLS DAM & HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT"
Spring 2008
If the warmer weather has you looking for a change of pace, then Swan Falls might be just the place to visit. The scenic drive, lovely picnic grounds and opportunity for expanding your electrical knowledge, make for an excellent springtime school combination!
Swan Falls Dam is on the Snake River about 40 miles south of Boise. From I-84 and Meridian Road it is about a 23 mile drive. Bird watchers will particularly enjoy the drive, as the falls lies with the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. Keep a sharp eye out for falcon, eagles, and burrowing owls.
The dam and original power plant were built in 1901 to supply power to gold and silver mines in the Owyhee Mountains. Eventually the dam provided electricity for settlement and agriculture on the Snake River Plateau. Swan Falls Dam holds the distinction of being the first hydroelectric dam on the Snake River and is listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Idaho Power commissioned a new power plant in 1994. The old plant now stands as a turn of the century landmark and has been converted into a historical display. In the renovated powerhouse, you can learn about hydro-electricity and the history of the Swan Falls Dam while also learning about the natural and cultural resources of the Snake River. The visitor/interpretive center is open to the public by appointment only for security reasons.
As part of Idaho Power's dedication to education, the new power plant is also open to scheduled tours. Here you will have the chance to see the whirring turbines in action, visit the auxiliary battery room, peer at a wall full of control dials, or try your hand at generating electricity with an interactive display. Guided tours are best suited to 4th grade level and above, but all ages are welcome.
For more than 65 years, Idaho Power has provided free educational programs. "Our company's goal then and now is to teach future customers about electrical safety and conservation," says Pam Compton, community education representative. Compton and four other Idaho Power employees provide presentations on topics which include electrical safety, generation, energy conservation and environmental stewardship. Educators are also offered an Educational Resource Guide which provides an overview of free resources available. Resources range from educational kits and teaching units to videos that are available at the company's loan library.
"Idaho Power is Idaho's largest electrical utility and also has a long term commitment good steward ship of the Snake River. The company's entire hydroelectric system is on the Snake River or it's tributaries. The river's water provides the raw power to manufacture electricity at 17 Idaho power generating stations which account for two thirds of the electricity the company generates. The electricity is transmitted through a network of power lines to consumers in a 20,000 square mile service area which includes most of southern Idaho and portions of northern Nevada and eastern Oregon. Along the middle and lower stretches of the Snake River Valley, where the company has its hydro generator plants, it has developed numerous parks and other recreational facilities to improve the public's access to the river. The reserve above the dam sites and the river itself are a major recreational resource and Idaho Power encourages their full public use."
The picturesque Swan Falls Park includes a large, shaded, grassy area complete with picnic tables and restrooms. The adjacent area around Swan Falls is part of the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area and provides an excellent chance for spotting bald eagles or other birds of prey. There are also opportunities for fishing, upland game bird and waterfowl hunting, rafting, mountain biking, hiking, and boating. No overnight camping facilities are available but there are multiple free camping spots above and below the dam. There is a ramp for whitewater boater access to the river below the dam. A footbridge across the dam leads to hiking and mountain biking trails.
Directions:
From I-84, take exit 44 (Meridian Road) and head 8 miles south on Idaho 69 to Kuna. Turn south onto Swan Falls Road. Travel about 15 miles to Swan Falls Dam.
Contacts:
Tours of the hydroelectric plant should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance.
Tours of the old power plant should be scheduled one week in advance.
If possible, tours should be planned for Tuesday or Wednesday.
Call 388-6960 or 388-6962
To obtain an Educational Resource Guide, teaching units, brochures or information about how to schedule a presentation or tour, contact your nearest education representative or send an e-mail to idaed@idahopower.com
Idaho Power Community Education Representatives:
- Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star
- Russ Weedon
- 388-5087
- rweeedon@idahopower.com
- Kuna, Caldwell, Nampa, Middleton, Melba, Greenleaf, Mountain Home
- Linda Garcia
- 465-8619
- lgarcia@idahopower.com
CHOIS ©2001-2008 All rights reserved.
