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.

Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

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

Guests: Larry Hall, Jim Williams with Southern Idaho Off Road, Matt Courtney and Lisa Cresswell with BLM, Mike Tylka, Kelly Paulsen.

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

1.   Minutes from June 12: motion to approve, seconded.  Motion passed

2.  Treasurers Report: There is $65000 available for overlook project. There is $11,000 in the regular account.  Monthly cost for security, toilets and garbage pickup is $800 per month.

3.  RV Park: There has been excessive garbage accumulation between garbage pickups. Bill has ordered signs for the horse corral. He will put ‘No Fires’ flags in the firepits. There have been 2 fires in the park already this year and we don’t want more.

4.  Purchase tractor: Proposal to purchase John Deere tractor with bucket.  It will be a great addition for park maintenance by smoothing parking lots and mowing, etc. Motion made to purchase, service etc. Seconded. Motion carried unanimously

5.  Shoshone Falls Overlook: Fund raiser is occurring July 11 at Jerome Country Club. Larry anticipates 40+ in attendance.  Board reviewed the presentation format including completed and proposed projects. They viewed anticipated needs for Shoshone Falls Overlook, projects costs including Idaho Power and Jerome County pledges. Motion made, seconded and carried to approve the presentation. Cost for the luncheon is under budget. Buy a Brick Campaign was introduced for future discussion. Comment was made about the ability to collect fees. Bill says  Premier Security offered to collect funds and man overlook. Matt with BLM stated that we have the ability to collect funds as long as they are reinvested in the Park.  BLM would approve the fees initially and Jerome County would have to provide an accounting annually.

6.  Webpage for SRCP: some members are having difficulty getting access. Bill has been talking about making the site available to receive donations. More information is needed.

7.  Yingst Grade Easement: two picnic tables are available they just need a location.  Bill also has a large firepit we can place in the park, site just needs to be selected

8.  Shooting Range:  John provided information on possible organization method to supervise the Shooting Range.  It included BLM, Jerome County, SRCP and Idaho Fish and Game. His proposal also included implementing a reasonable fee for usage. He suggested obtaining a  Patent from BLM to Jerome County for ownership of the Shooting Range. BLM representatives commented that the patent would be in perpetuity and would be very possible. They just need an application. Then BLM would not be involved in future. Patent proposal needs to be discussed with County Commissioners

9.  Trail on IDL Perrine Bridge to Shoshone Falls: IDL would charge $1300 per year for lease. Question was If easement is needed. Further investigation needs to take place. It was asked if a donation location on the trail would be allowed by IDL to cover the cost of the lease. Further information needed.

10.  Grants: After the fund raiser, we will know how much more money we will need.  Grants will be needed for horse corrals, etc. as well.

11:  Volunteers: Bill was at an event and talked to Boy Scouts. They are still reorganizing but will be interested in helping. He also spoke with someone who wants to apply his community service hours.

12:  Marked Trails: Southern Idaho Off Road Group has decals they are just waiting for posts. Matt provided the Equestrian Trailhead and Campsite Approval, with stipulations that must be followed. Any trail names must be run by BLM in advance. There must be no construction activity from August 1-December 1 to protect migratory birds.

13.  Rock Crawling Park: Now with the approval from BLM, offroad clubs will now proceed with their plans

Next meeting will be August 14 at 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

With no further business meeting was adjourned at 12:25 pm.

                                                                Snake River Canyons Park Board

                                                                        Open Meeting Minutes

                                                                            May 8, 2025

                                                          Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

Attending Board Members:  Bill Bridges, Becky Dean, John Weston, Jeff Pierson, Brenda Weeks, Steve Paulsen, Mark Reyes

Guests:  Art Watkins, Larry Hall, Advisor, Jim Williams OHV, James Ridgeway, Deputy

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

Approval of Minutes from April 10, 2025 Board Meeting:  Reviewed without corrections. Motion to approve and seconded. Motion carries.

Additions to Agenda – action item with Motion and Order to Amend Agenda: none requested

Member and Guest introductions:

Project Reports:

1.  Treasurers Report: First Federal account $46,291.48, 501C3 $12,677.36

•  RV Park: Corrals: average 18 campers per night, corrals are being worked on by Backcountry Horsemen. People are camping outside the park area. Discussed who may have jurisdiction to notify them there is no camping outside the rv park. Bill will have conversations with BLM and IDL about it.

•  Damaged Signs: found a new sign provider, will review their product before ordering more. May be cheaper to get a more common size.

• Webpage for SRCP:  Brenda has proposed pamphlet for webpage which includes a map of the park that has been reduced in size to allow more points of interest.   She is open to ideas. The WEB page currently  Includes 152 bird species.   She  would like something from John on shooting range to add to it.

•  Yingst Grade Easement :  It should be completed sometime in May,  pending their regional meeting. Rumor to Commissioners is that Fish and Game wants to get rid of their portion. County doesn’t have funds to purchase.

• Shooting Range – John Weston: He has gathered materials and providers to set up target stands, benches, etc.  He found source for gravel for firing line. He is just waiting for permission from BLM to proceed. Thanks to Sheriffs department for patrolling.

• Shoshone Falls Overlook – Larry Hall.  Parking and ADA:  Larry provided the conditional approval form from BLM. Corrections and enhancements were discussed. Budget was presented and noted funds needed. All facilities will be painted the BLM’s ‘shadow gray’. Drone photography was obtained for presentation to BLM. Larry presented an estimated timeline, possibly start construction August 15.    

• Action on Overlook :  motion was made to accept the BLM approval. Motion was seconded and carried.

• Trail on IDL from the Perrine Bridge to Shoshone Falls:  Mapping will take place, acreage needs to be calculated. Mark was going out to map the trail and parking to calculate the acreage.

1. Grants: funds are needed for the tent camping area, Shoshone Falls trail,  horse corrals and parking. Also for Yingst grade parking.

1. Marked Trails—No comment

1. Rock Crawling Park: the only thing they are waiting for to proceed is approval from BLM

1. New Business – no comment

Motion for adjournment at  12:43 pm.

Next meeting June 12, 2025 at 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Blue Lakes Country Club

Executive Sessions may be held pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1) as needed during time such sessions are called.

Note:  Any person needing special accommodations to participate in the meeting should contact the committee chairman at 208-293-2426, at least  48 hours prior to the meeting.

                                                                        Open Meeting Minutes

                                                                            February 13, 2025

                                                          Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho

Attending Board Members: Greg Moore, Steve Haag, John Weston, Becky Dean, Bill Bridges via phone, Brenda Weeks, Jeff Pierson, Mark Reyes

Guests: Larry Hall, Mark Barnes, David Freiberg, Aaron Utz, Hugo Sanchez, Matt Courtney BLM, Birk Roseman, BLM, Lisa Crosswell, Shoshone BLM, Mary Ellis, BLM, Art Watkins, County Commissioner

Greg Moore, Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. with a quorum present and introduction.

Approval of Minutes of January 9, 2025 Board Meeting:  Reviewed without corrections. Motion to approve from Steve Haag , second fromJohn Weston. Motion carries.

Additions to Agenda – action item with Motion and Order to Amend Agenda: none requested

Member and Guest introductions:

Project Reports:

1.  Volunteer Program: Cache Peak Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen was presented with the 2024 SRCP Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award by Brenda Weeks and Becky Dean at their meeting in Burley. The presentation was well received with much enthusiasm about the future development of trails in the park. A photo of the presentation will be published in the club’s newsletter.

•  Treasurers Report: First Federal account $53,123.69, 501C3 $12,677.36

•  RV Park: Park use is very slow with 1-3 campers per night

•  Webpage for SRCP: Park is receiving regular updates and seems to be operating well

•  Yingst Grade ROW– We discussed effort to replace earlier right of way from 2000. Per Brenda Weeks we have submitted all the paperwork for the request for a new ROW. Mary Ellis with BLM had additional questions about the use of logs for erosion control.Brenda commented that we don’t need to use the smaller culvert.  The logs will be used instead. BLM advised that should we wish to use log erosion control; it needs to be submitted in the plan.

• Shooting Range – John Weston: he visited Malad and Murtaugh gun ranges.  He compared each with maintenance and preparation and they were at each end of the spectrum.  Birk with BLM is getting clearance from specialists. They will clear our project for a variety of resources to be able to develop late summer or fall.  Jerome County will have access to heavy equipment.

• Shoshone Falls Overlook – Larry Hall.  At the last meeting to discuss this, the Board was not ready to approve until they could review the visual aspect and layout.  Larry Hall presented a draft of the Project Development Request for the Shoshone Falls Overlook Project. Part of the request included Exhibits showing the location of the project, a design of the Overlook parking area and the Overlook platform area and IDL right-of-way easement. Specific focus was directed to a photo image that emulated a naked eye view of the Overlook area with images shown to see the type of views that there would be including cars, RVs, Gift Shop, Portable Toilets and rock formations. Boulders will camouflage the site, wood wrapping on surfaces. The visual overlays of the project components show that most aspects of the project will be hidden from view except for taller RV’s. David Frieberg said he was ok with the visuals.  The updated cost is now complete. The cost of the project is now firm at $621,000 with $67,000 having been paid for surveys, etc. Idaho Power to contribute $250,000. We will need approximately $300,000 to completely fund the project. Larry said he is optimistic about raising the necessary funds through grants and donations. The board voted unanimously to approve the project.  It will go to the County Commissioners for approval before being submitted to BLM.  

Meeting was adjourned at 11:30 am due to the inclement weather.

Next meeting March 13, 2025 11 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Blue Lakes Country Club (location may change if inclement weather is expected.)

Executive Sessions may be held pursuant to the Idaho Code 74-206(1) as needed during time such sessions are called.

Note:  Any person needing special accommodations to participate in the meeting should contact the committee chairman at 208-293-2426  48 hours prior to the meeting.