STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The Sawtooth National Forest is seeking public comment on a handful of proposed projects for which the Forest is seeking grants from the State of Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.
The local projects include heavy trail maintenance on 170 of the 400 miles of motorized and non-motorized trails on the Ketchum Ranger District, a new bridge at Greenhorn Gulch to replace one that collapsed under last year’s heavy snowfall, and maintenance for a hundred miles of motorbike and all-terrain vehicle trails in the White Cloud Smoky, Boulder, Sawtooth and Salmon River Mountains.
The state funds are raised through the sale of boating, recreation and off-road vehicle stickers.
Comments should be submitted to the person indicated by Jan. 29, 2024.
LOCATION: Ketchum Ranger District
PROJECT: Heavy Trail Maintenance- RTP funds -Heavy trail maintenance on 170 of the approximately 400 miles of motorized and non-motorized trails and the associated trailheads located on the Ketchum Ranger District, with an additional focus on repair or replacement of neglected trail structures of moderate size. Heavy maintenance efforts including logouts, brushing, tread repair, drainage work, and repair or replacement of vital trail structures will mitigate resource damage and increase safety and enjoyment of trail users, while increasing trail opportunities.
Contact: Tamara Rowell at tamara.rowell@usda.gov.
LOCATION: Ketchum Ranger District
PROJECT: Greenhorn Gulch Improvements Project- ORMV and RTP funds -Improvements to the Greenhorn Gulch trailhead and Mahoney-Greenhorn trail (#156). The first bridge on Trail #156 collapsed and was removed in 2023, while two additional bridges in the first half mile are beyond their useful life. This project proposes to address the issue by eliminating two creek crossings and rerouting sections of Trail #156 and the Imperial Gulch Trail (# 315) to meet at a new engineered bridge. Additionally, improvements will be made at the trailhead to increase parking efficiency and capacity, and heavy maintenance will be performed on Trail #156 to address damage sustained from heavy snows and runoff in 2023. The completed work will increase trail sustainability and safety of users, while decreasing future maintenance needs and resource damage.
Contact: Tamara Rowell at tamara.rowell@usda.gov.
LOCATION: Sawtooth National Recreation Area
PROJECT: Sawtooth National Recreation Area Motorized Trail Maintenance – This Off-Road Motor Vehicle grant request would fund deferred maintenance on 100 miles of motorbike and all-terrain vehicle trails in the White Cloud, Smoky, Boulder, Sawtooth, and Salmon River Mountains. Work would include removing trees, brushing, signing, improving drainage, repairing trail tread, and repairing broken structures.
Contact: Caitlin Frawley, at 208-774-3032, or caitlin.frawley@usda.gov.
LOCATION: Sawtooth National Recreation Area
PROJECT: An Off-Road Motor Vehicle grant request is being submitted by law enforcement officers to purchase one snowmobile for the Sawtooth National Forest to be used for official law enforcement duties. The current snowmobile has exceeded its useful life. This equipment grant proposal specifically seeks to put United States Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers (Officers) on the ground to support the snowmobile grooming programs by enforcing special closures, checking registration compliance, assisting with search and rescue activities, signing, and assisting with avalanche forecasting.
CONTACT: Stacie Lockner, at 208-718-0450, or Stacie.lockner@usda.gov
LOCATION: Fairfield Ranger District
PROJECT Fairfield Heavy Trail Maintenance- ORMV or RTP funds – This grant request would allow staff to conduct early season trail maintenance and tree removal on over 200 miles of trails to ensure they are readily available for public use. Funding would also facilitate trail tread repairs, brushing, short trail re-routes, new signs, and other heavy trail maintenance on our motorized and non-motorized trails. Specific heavy trail maintenance would be performed on Bass Lakes Trail #061, South Fork Ross Trail #227, North Fork Ross Trail #226, and Johnson Creek Trail #181. These trails were heavily impacted by avalanche debris, landslides, and fire damage. Funds would also be used to help continue maintenance and educational patrols into the fall hunting season.
CONTACT: Jennifer Stevens, at 208-764-3471 or jennifer.stevens@usda.gov
LOCATION: Fairfield Ranger District
PROJECT: Fairfield Ranger District Snowmobiles - This ORMV Fund grant request would allow recreation staff to replace two snowmobiles used to manage the snowmobile recreation program on the district. Sleds would be used for winter patrols for registration compliance, search and rescue, warming hut maintenance, and to manage groomed trails and open riding areas. The current snowmobiles have exceeded their useful life.
CONTACT: Jennifer Stevens, at 208-764-3471 or jennifer.stevens@usda.gov
LOCATION: Fairfield Ranger District
PROJECT: Canyon Transfer Camp Improvements - This Recreation Vehicle Fund grant request would allow staff to replace fire rings, picnic tables, site markers and to add new metal utility tables to each campsite. A new information board, directional signage, road maintenance, parking spur maintenance and graveling, and a graveled-surface parking area would improve the camping experience and improve recreational vehicle access.
CONTACT: Jennifer Stevens, at 208-764-3471 or jennifer.stevens@usda.gov