Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, October 9, 2025

Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

Attending Board Members: Chairman Bill Bridges, Brenda Weekes, John Weston, Jim Williams, Mark Reyes, Steve Paulsen and Jeff Pierson. Not present: Greg Moore and Becky Dean.

Guests: Larry Hall for the Overlook project, Aaron UTZ with Idaho Power and Art Watkins County Commissioner.

Bill called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m. with a quorum.  Jim Williams has been added to the board to replace Steven Haag.

1. Minutes from Sept.11, 2025: Approved.

• Treasurer’s Report – County Account: 7196.56 left at end of year

             Yingst Account: $13,936.36

             Overlook Account: $310,863 250,000 from Idaho Power and $60,863 from Engineering

• Container: The container is in place.  The park purchased 2 loads of gravel to support the container. One has been spread the other is for leveling. 

Mark got a quote to do a wrap on the south side of the container.  Boards to make the wall flat and the wrap (top to bottom and end to end will be $6127.15. Purchase approved by the board.

The board would also like a QR code to go on the wrap to tell about the park.

• Overlook: Update with plan Civil Science is a week behind.  Reminded this is not a commercial project with paved roads, but rather a primitive park and overlook.
• Overlook Fundraising: Interest from Chobani, Ridleys.

Brenda will send out thank you notes to all that donate to the overlook project.

• Social Media: Cheryl Viola’ has moved to Oregon.  REDS is closed. Cheryl is still doing some work on Facebook for the park.
• Shooting Range: The BLM is closed.  John is looking for places to put the Archery range.  Good spots are taken by other projects.  We will have to find a way to work with both.
• No Shooting Ordinance: Last months report on what ordiance 22-03 said was wrong.  Archery is not allowed in the park.  The commissioners will approve the change to allow archery in a designated place in the park.
• IDL Trail:  Nothing new.
• Grants: We need to work on more grants for the park.
• Volunteers:  Daughters of American Revolution TF Chapter will help pick up trash on Oct. 17.
• Rock Crawling Park: Saturday, September 27^th was the rock crawler’s workday.   They have 7 projects ready to use.  The Carsonite markers are in and the OHV group will start marking trails.
• Trailhead, New Campground at 700 E: Bill and Brenda reaching out to Sue Williams.  Mark will fly a drone over the area for Sue on Friday.
• Bylaws: The bylaws have been updated.  3 board members will be up for new terms for the first three years and no new board members the fourth year.  A new amendment was added to the end to cover future changes and new board members.  The part about the Chairman appointing a voting board member for the meeting was removed from two places but remains in Sec. 6.  Board member attendance was modified.  The board approved these changes.

Next meeting November 13, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Blue Lakes Country Club.

With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

Attending Board Members: Chairman Bill Bridges, Brenda Weekes, John Weston, and Greg Moore and Jeff Pierson. Not present: Steve Paulson, Mark Reyes, and Becky Dean.

Guests: Lisa Cresswell, David Freiberg, and Mary Ellis with the BLM, Larry Hall for the Overlook project, Jim Williams with Southern Idaho Off Road, Cheryl Viola with REDs, Camille Barigar with Jerome 20/20, and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.

Bill called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. with a quorum noting four of eight board members constitutes a quorum.

Member & Guest introductions.

1. Minutes from August 14: Correction: Paragraph 7: Remove the word “easement” and just say “Yingst Grade Improvements.” Greg motioned to approve with correction, Brenda second, motion carried.

• Treasurer’s Report – Main Account: Spent $51,500 with additional $6k to be spent for container and delivering gravel. Security hasn’t been paid yet and Western Waste expense is an additional $51.00. Park has $8k to use before the end of the budget year ending September 2025. Greg suggested making a new sign for the Kiosk entrance into the RV Park.

• Shoshone Falls Overlook Account: $61,400 plus Idaho Power’s contribution equals $310k available to start the project. Request for bids going out soon. County has an additional overlook account with Ken Norquist’s $500 and Commercial Creamery’s $1k, plus brick sales.

• Container: Greg requested an invoice and is working with new buyer to purchase one with doors on both sides, and $200 includes delivery. First looking at a 20’ container and now it is a 40’ container. Greg and Mark to spread gravel to set container on and we can store tractor and lawn mower and anything else. Paint will stay at the airport storage. Bill entered cost for lock at $6k noting Mark and Ben Crouch both have ideas, but we may need two locks.

• Overlook: Summary update with plan still on track and $310k to get started. Reminded this is not a commercial project with paved roads, but rather a primitive park and overlook. Cheryl Viola with REDS has been asked to assist SRCP with marketing and awareness.

• Overlook Fundraising: Interest from Chobani, Ridleys, Independent Meat, and others. Low-key check presentation with Idaho Power to be scheduled in October commemorating their $250k contribution.

• Overlook Groundbreaking: Larry recommends hosting a groundbreaking when work begins. Camille Barigar—new Director for Jerome 2020—can assist. Project team includes Commissioners Howell and Watkins, Southwick from Civil Science, engineers looking at October 1. Bid packages are pursuant to procurement standards and the bid opening will pick the top three bids with Commissioners selecting the lowest bid on or about October 20 and construction to begin November 5.

• Overlook Prerequisites: Lisa Cresswell, BLM volunteered to contact U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to clarify what can be worked on during which times to avoid nesting birds. Jerome Highway District to be notified when blasting begins. Residents in the subdivision below will be notified. The rural fire department requested a map. No building permit is needed as there is no building, and sign permits will happen when needed. Communicate project’s primitive nature and low visibility. Relationship with the engineers is solid. Bids might not see blasting as necessary.

• Donations: $2,500 from Republic Services (Western Waste) with timing unknown and interest in helping with facilities as they are done. Kenny Norquist donated $500. Commercial Creamery donated $1,000. Brenda requested a large donation from ICCU, and will work through the request.

1. Bricks R Us: North Side Journal announced the project and link to donate. Times-News article may be forthcoming. Noted different media opportunities with Cheryl Viola and Camille Barigar providing input. Eight brick donations so far at $1,050 and brochure for brick donations handed out. Goal for bricks is to cover $100,000 of the total cost.

1. Social Media: Cheryl Viola’s report on social media awareness with views on FB increasing from 400 in July to over 17k in August, and fewer views on Instagram. Clicks at 423 for the 4-slide video of Larry’s PPT presentation that focused on the project and bricks. Trying one post per day for awareness. Cheryl creating new content including off-roaders and how to donate for bricks. Reminding the narrative explains rugged terrain will stay and incorporate uses that align.

1. Boosts: Cheryl boosted the initial video for one-week for $20. Boosted rock crawling to Boise area and Southern Utah’s rock crawling areas. Camille added that $150/month in boosts significantly added for past posts for CSI Arts. Jeff motioned to set aside $150/month to boost posts. Camille recommended doing a whole ad-set with a more strategic focus when Cheryl sees something generating more interest. Cheryl indicated $150 is a good place to start. Greg seconded the motion, unanimous approval.

1. Signage: Placement important. Discussed outreach to Idaho Transportation Department. Jim Williams requested sign stating: “future home of off-road park.” Jim will send request to Bill to send for BLM approval.

1. Shooting Range: David is developing the hazardous material plan and environmental assessment. Once the whole project is put together the BLM will run it up the chain for approval. Matt had suggested separating the archery from the gun range and to this John shared a map showing two areas that would be ideal for archery. Area 1a has a 100-yd range and 1b a walk-through range. Area 2 would have a bowl with walk-around. Comparing maps to locate archery and equestrian areas. John motioned to put archery range in 1a and 1b, Jeff seconded, motioned carried. May be a phased approach with 1a starting this year and 1b to follow.

1. No Shooting Ordinance: If you hear shots call 911 and the Jerome sheriff will handle it. Ordinance 2022-3 states the discharge of anything with a barrel, so it does not apply to archery. Concerns about shooting and rock crawling in non-rock crawling areas like Don’s Arbor.

1. IDL Trail: Discussed IDL’s proposed fee of $1300/year to lease land for a trail, noting that amount will increase. Jeff suggested the park ask for a formal response and Bill will request. Greg suggested getting community members to voice their support. Lisa suggested donating to support trail. Brenda suggested Bill ask Commissioners respond to letter to IDL. Mary asked about asking IDL for a waiver.

1. Grants: We need to work on more grants for the park.

1. Volunteers: Checking on Sheriff probationers to do a cleanup. Mary suggested asking the Daughters of American Revolution TF Chapter to help pick up trash.

1. Rock Crawling Park: Saturday, September 27^th is the rock crawler’s workday. They have a need for heavy equipment to help locate obstacles.

• Trailhead, New Campground at 700 E: Bill and Brenda reaching out to Sue Williams.

• Bylaws: Bylaws need amending. Bill asked for feedback on three new members each year rotating in 4-year terms. Discussed advisor status, clarifying section 4, proxy voting, board absences, excused absences, emergency meeting requirements, and referencing Idaho open meeting laws. Bill will work on re-draft and bring to the board.

• Fenceline Road: John suggested putting in a road along the fence line to Don’s Arbor to establish it for future use with board consensus.

Next meeting October 13, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Blue Lakes Country Club.

With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

Attending Board Members: Chairman Bill Bridges, John Weston, Becky Dean, Mark Reyes, Jeff Pierson, Brenda Weekes, Greg Moore.   Not present: Stephen Haag, Steve Paulsen. Announcement was made that Stephen Haag was resigning. Replacements were discussed.

Guests:Larry Hall, Jim Williams, Ray Sheen and Karlene Sheen with Southern Idaho Off Road, Matt Courtney and Lisa Cresswell with BLM, Art Watkins, Aaron Utz with Idaho Power,

Bill called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. with a quorum present.

1.   Minutes from July 12: Correction:  Paragraph 12:  Marked Trails.  Lines 3 and 4 corrected to read ‘construction activity to take place August 1 through December 15.  Motion to approve with corrections, seconded.  Motion passed

2.  Treasurers Report: 501C3 account has $11,352, Overlook account $63,637.50.  Main account spent $41,000 with $18,833 available.

3.  Purchase tractor: Greg proposed we purchase a storage container to store the tractor and miscellaneous.  Cost for 20’ container would be $4000 and a 40’ would be $5500.  Small container would barely house the tractor so board opted for the larger container.  Motion was made to allow Bill to approach the County Commissioners for the purchase.  Seconded and passed.  Storing tractor at the airport is not convenient and a container at the disc golf course could store the tractor and the course flags, etc.  It would be central to where it would be used. Lock for the container was important and bids would be obtained for the lock and a scenic wrap. 

4.  Shoshone Falls Overlook: Larry gave an update to the presentation to possible donors on July 11.  He has received minimum response due to what he perceived as the lack of familiarity to the project. He has contacted Cheryl Viola with REDS for help with social media promotion at no cost. Idaho Power has agreed to early release of their $250,000 pledge so work can begin.  Once there is something happening, he believes there will be more interest. Gerald Martens believes he can provide bids that will save 25% from the estimate due to reduction in materials, etc. Larry has done research into grants but our project doesn’t fit in the categories. Motion was made to approve SRCP signature on Early Release letter from Idaho Power and to begin to get bids to provide to The Commissioners. Motion was seconded and was carried.

5.  Bricks: “Bricks R US” site is up on our website and FaceBook page.  Brenda shared a proposed brochure to circulate.  Goal is $100,000.

6.  Webpage for SRCP: site is updated, ready and operating

7.  Yingst Grade Easement: Tabled until 2026

8.  Shooting Range:  Project has been delayed—again.  Proposed Patent was not an option as no land had been designated in BLM Land Use Plan. Now the only option is a MOU for the purpose to share management.  BLM is working on a draft to provide to the Commissioners for review.  BLM proposed that the archery range could be moved to a different location and approved quickly.  John Weston had 3 sites he had proposed earlier and each one had been objected to for one reason or another.  He would revisit his sites and represent.

9.  Trail on IDL Perrine Bridge to Shoshone Falls: Brenda had researched  IDL website and found statements that IDL promotes recreation.  Fees are collected on every vehicle registration.  She will pursue the possibility of funds there.

10.  Grants: no change

11:  Volunteers: Bill has been contacted by several people who have been ordered to provide community service hours.  He will get more information when they contact him again

12:  Marked Trails: Steve Haag has resigned and we will be looking for a replacement

13.  Rock Crawling Park: Now that the permits have been approved, they are ready to proceed.  They have designated September 27 as a work day. They are looking for donations of equipment, labor etc.  They will apply for grants.  They are needing posts for signage.  Bill is working to get the sign posts. They also believe that once they are able to show progress, they will receive more support from other offroad groups .

14:  Equestrian trailhead/campground on 700 E:  Sue is writing a grant for the trailhead and is designing a layout for the trails

15.  New Business:  Discussion was how to promote the park.  Cheryl Viola with REDS is using social media now.  Bill will work on ideas and opportunities to place a billboard on the highway.

Next meeting will be September at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

With no further business meeting was adjourned at 12:50 pm

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Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

Attending Board Members: Chairman Bill Bridges, Brenda Weekes, John Weston, Greg Moore, and Becky Dean. Not present: Mark Reyes, Steve Paulson, Stephen Haag and Jeff Pierson.

Guests: Commissioner Art Watkins, Aaron Utz with Idaho Power, David Freiberg, Matt Courtney and Mary Ellis with the BLM, Jim Williams with Southern Idaho Off Road, Larry Hall for the Overlook project, historian Ron Yates and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.

Bill called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. with a quorum present.

Minutes: Brenda motioned to approve the minutes, Becky seconded, motion carried.

Treasurers Report: Account balance $12,677.36. County account has spent $21,619 with $38k for the remainder of the year. Overlook account has $67k left before recent invoice from Civil Science. Yingst Grade account has $13,936 left for upgrades after final BLM approval.

RV Park: Garbage is picked up on Fridays with receptacles full again by Monday. Becky suggested adding an additional residential garbage can. Bill asked Art about the county’s management of a dumpster by the Perrine Bridge. “No shooting” signs have been made but not sure if they are installed. Costs under new sign-maker are more reasonable.

Shoshone Falls Overlook:

Flagpole: Ron Yates previously attended a meeting in January and reminded the history of the north and south side flag poles named for U.S. Presidents McKinley and Garfield. Yates flies a flag at each location four-times per year and reported the north side property may have a new owner. If sold Yates will try to negotiate access with the new owner and replace the 100-year pole with a new 40’ tall pole. Yates estimates a new pole would cost $12k and he would solicit donations and in-kind contributions. If this fails, Yates would like to install a 50’ pole on SRCP/BLM property to continue his tradition of raising the flags four-times per year.

Discussion about changing the overlook plan to include a flagpole, the Master Plan’s zero visual impact. Matt suggested the park submit a separate application if they want to add a flagpole and the BLM will give it full consideration. Ron will submit a written overview of flagpole’s history.

Overlook Plans: Larry Hall discussed the intent to follow required contractor bidding process for construction and added someone is interested in donating money and contract work toward the project. Hall reported the proposed parking needs to be moved due to an easement with Idaho Power’s lines. Larry shared the first new design with re-location of the parking and original smaller cul-de-sac circle design. He then shared an alternate option with a larger RV parking area with RV pull-through, cul-de-sac and maximum flexibility. The second option increases cost by $150k with new estimate. We need to raise $450k. Discussed process and timing. SRCP Board to decide which plan to submit with Matt requesting a PDF, description and reasons for the alternative. Matt doesn’t think the review would take long.

Bill said he’d entertain a motion to take the new plan with larger RV parking to the county commissioners, and if we get funding the overlook will proceed with the larger RV parking plan. John made this motion. Aaron Utz asked if the engineer incorporated a fence, Jim Williams noted the blue line near the bottom indicating a 216’ fence. Becky seconded the motion. Greg voiced his opposition stating his concerns with the process of submitting different plans. Clarifications about the process were made and Greg removed his opposition. All members of the board voted in favor of submitting the larger parking plan.

Overlook Fundraising: Suggestions included adding a donation link on the website and hosting a fundraising event, recognition of donors, etc. Larry suggested a July lunch at the Jerome Country Club estimating it cost between $700-$1200. Becky motioned to allow Larry Hall a $1,000 budget to host an event for possible donors. Greg seconded, motion carried. BLM representatives are invited to attend.

Website: Brenda informed the Agenda and Minutes tab isn’t showing anything.

Yingst Grade Easement Right of Way: Brenda announced final approval by the BLM with two-pages for commissioners to sign and return, and nine-pages to review. Brenda noted as a government agency they can remove language about rental and will also change wording about gates and non-motorized vehicles. Jerome County’s attorney is reviewing.

The Right of Way is granted in perpetuity but subject to review every 20-years. BLM will initiate reviews with the county adding they can review it at any time to make sure the park is in compliance. Brenda noted inconsistencies with a one-mile buffer, but since the park isn’t doing any maintenance that might disturb nesting, this doesn’t matter. Brenda noted boulder landslide area. Mary added the RNPP would allow for additional things. Pending the County’s review and Commissioners’ signatures the project is complete.

Shooting Range: Dave Freiberg shared KLIX Young Guys broadcast about the shooting range with positive community outreach. BLM tried to put in a grant last month under a particular recreation project. Dave thought support was positive but was suddenly pulled and wonders why there is apprehension. The State has asked the BLM informally to talk about it for clarification. Dave reminded that per agreements with ranchers the county would need to install a cattle guard, estimated cost is $10k. Dave discussed the patent process and RCRA guidance.

John will pick up wood pallets for target backs/bucks and he shared photos of road, backstop and tailings. There is almost enough gravel there already for a firing line and the entrance road.

Trail: Bill showed a large map that Mark Reyes created with an 8.1 mile trail. Bill estimates gravel cost is $250k. IDL will still need to approve. Map’s yellow lines are a more scenic route and Red are more direct and less expense. Randall has this acreage information but not sure if he has township data. Volunteers are interested in helping and Bill estimates the project cost at $300k. Discussed trail maintenance and weed abatement.

Other: Off-Roaders want 300 markers. Bill said the Oregon California Trail Association said the Walgamot Trail doesn’t exist and was based on fictional writing.  The Emigrant Trail did not happen.  No trail was north of the Snake River.  Several sources say other wise.

Budget: Anticipate next year the Park will be asked for a budget. Next year starting in April the overlook should be open and generating income. Estimate four part-time employees from April 1^st to October 31^st to cost $25k. Bill asked for the Board to bring to him other budgetary needs. John thinks added projects will increase expenses by $30-$40k. Estimated income from overlook noting the Twin Falls side has 125,000 cars per year. Discussed charging at the RV Park with suggestions of a self-serve credit card machine and printed windshield ticket or through a QR Code. Example parks discussed including Craters of the Moon. Wilson Lake ($20/day when they can start charging) and Mackay Reservoir ($15/day and is considered low). Becky said the park’s security offered to manage this service too. BLM added that there is a process the park must follow to start collecting fees. Larry suggested confirming the grant allows for fees to be charged. Matt reminded fees charged must be used on those lands that generated the funds; he’ll confirm the language. Bill asked Matt to clarify if overlook funds could be used to fund other parts in the park.  Overlook open from April 1 to Oct.31.  214 days will need staff to collect fees.  If we pay $12/hour that would be ~$25,000/year.

Bill will request his budget to be $60k plus an additional $30k for toilets, garbage, etc.  

Next meeting July 10, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Blue Lakes Country Club.

With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 12:52 p.m.