STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Blaine County Recreation District is beginning to build new Nordic trails and a summer trail in Quigley Canyon east of Hailey.

The BCRD is building 10 to 15 kilometers of groomed cross country trails for the upcoming 2018-19 Nordic season.

In addition, trail technicians are building a four- to five-mile non-motorized summer trail that will follow the perimeter, wrapping the north and south sides of the canyon. The trail will provide a hiking, biking and equestrian loop for area recreationalists.

The BCRD offered Nordic loops in the canyon for several years but moved them to Croy Canyon five years ago.

The Blaine County Planning and Zoning Commission last week unanimously approved Conditional Use and Mountain Overlay permit applications to allow the project to proceed.

The private landowner Quigley Green Owner LLC has granted a conservation easement to the Wood River Land Trust that protects the more than 1,100 acres of private land that sits immediately adjacent to the east of the planned Quigley Farm subdivision within the City of Hailey.

“We’re excited to be working with Quigley Green and the Wood River Land Trust to connect youth, adults and seniors to accessible outdoor recreation in this treasured and beautiful canyon so close to our community,” said BCRD Executive Director Jim Keating.

For more information, contact Jenna Vagias at the BCRD at 208-578-2273.