Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, September 14, 2023

19^th Hole Restaurant, Jerome Country Club

Attending Board members: Chairman Bill Bridges, John Weston, Sue Williams, Brenda Weekes and Greg Moore. Guests were Mike Tylka as Advisor, Aaron Utz with Idaho Power, Adam Stockberger with Idaho Adventure Rentals, Randal Brunmeier with the Idaho Department of Lands, Jerome Commissioner Art Watkins, Ben Lyda and Rebecca Wildman from the Southern Idaho Climbing Coalition and Rebecca taking minutes.

Bill called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. followed by self-introductions.

Treasurers Report: Given by Bill with $5,967 left for the year in one account and the other account with $11,352. Bill recently ordered replacement signs and Mike asked about the Shoshone Falls Road sign, Bill will get it ordered.

Minutes: Sue motioned to approve the Minutes from the August 10, 2023 meeting, Brenda second, minutes approved.

RV Park: Yesterday was the RV Park’s Grand Opening and included the Jerome County Commissioners, Keith Ricketts, and another 30 people attending. Corrals will be completed in the large open area in October.  The second vault toilet is confirmed for March 2024 and after it is installed the RV project will be complete. Sue elaborated on the horse corrals, posts, concrete work, etc. and need for 18 five-gallon buckets with Bill looking into getting them for no cost. KMVT should be televising tonight and the Times-News story on the RV Park ran today.

Website: Jerome County’s IT Department (Desea Lance, Systems Specialist) will study if they can managing the website.  Bill has notified current provider Canyon Crest Creative and has asked for the username and password.

Broken Bridge: Mike Walters with Wolftone Construction told Brenda that the ramp will be painted and hand rails ready by the end of the week. Next week they will begin installing and will need access for the concrete truck. There was discussion about access from the north or south side, along with availability of concrete. Project to be completed by the end of September and a Ceremony is anticipated first part of October. Wolftone Construction has invoiced through Gerald Martens $33k and $53k and Art will follow-up. Brenda will follow-up with invoices from EHM and getting them to Jerome County.

Brenda desires getting volunteers to do a clean-up. This Saturday is the Carl Nellis Day of Service and Brenda thought it would be a good coordinated time, possibly for next year. The park is being used by other groups and the park board does not have any information on these.  With more information and lead time we can help manage these projects.   Bill looking at ordering 3 dog-bag dispensers and probably will get a trash canister at top. Mike Tylka suggested asking the Jerome Work Duty crew to participate in a cleanup. Bill thinks three service clubs are cleaning up around the Perrine bridge this Saturday.

Shooting Range and Overlook: John Weston compiling information to submit to the BLM. It has been a year since Jerome County and Fish & Game went to Arizona and he voiced he is unhappy with BLM’s delayed response thus far. He is hoping to progress by the end of this year. Discussion about delay and issues and why BLM is not attending these monthly board meetings and if the BLM will run the proposed shooting range. John asked if we are wasting time by trying to get it going separately and Brenda advised to put it in the project request regardless.

Bill clarified the BLM priority is first the Yingst Grade Right of Way, second the Shooting Range and third the Overlook. Discussed if we can do the Geotechnical survey part of the Overlook to see if it is still in line and that the proposed structure may need to be modified with a view survey and rules. Greg suggested a meeting with BLM District Manager Mike Courtney to see if communication could be improved. Randal added that the BLM has not yet completed their exchange with the Department of Lands. Brenda shared minutes from the meeting with BLM on August 21, 2023.

5-Year Plan: Brenda shared the form that she and Alan Clawson created for user groups to submit for BLM approval and Codie Martin liked this approach. Discussed maps size and scale and Sue shared she can utilize Mark Reyes for map size and use. John suggested 7.5’ map size.

Brochure: Brenda shared the brochure asking for review. Suggested Rock Climbing added and Rock Crawling changed to Off Roading. Discussed re-naming the Broken Bridge in honor of Gerald Martens; Bill will run this through Jerome Commissioners.

Speaking: Bill spoke with the Optimist Club and SILT. Will speak to the Resource Conservation District RC&D on September 22^nd, Magic Valley Land Trust on September 25^th evening, and Twin Falls Noon Rotary October 11^th. Brenda emphasized the purpose to ask for money and/or manpower. Bill asked Clif Bar if they’d offer employees to help with cleanup.

Speakers Bureau: No longer on for 2023, will look at 2024.

Security: Signage up, shot up, now run over.

Maintenance: Bill cleaning vault toilet bathroom daily and may check with Wilson Lake person and/or David Frieberg if BLM will take it on. Freiberg said they fill theirs with water clean it 1-2/week and pump it every 5-years. Greg suggested we get water in ours, Sue said Sweets should be contacted, Bill to follow-up.

Newspaper: Need ideas for articles.

Open Meeting Rules: Jeff Pierson to address when he is attending.

Roundtable: Adam Stockberger of Idaho Adventure Rentals introduced himself and his business of renting the side-by-sides in the area Northeast of the Bridge. He said people are rough on his machines and he’s looking at ways to mitigate torque and speed. Adam said most renters stick on state land and a few 2-hour renters go to BLM land. Mentioned some visitors are lost on the North side looking for Shoshone Falls on their GPS. Randal added that the Department of Lands has Fish & Game Wardens that also patrol that area in addition to the Jerome County Sheriff. Adam mitigates weed transfer if vehicles are used elsewhere. His permit ends September 30^th.

Ben Lyda introduced himself as new Access Chair for Southern Idaho Climbing Coalition and opened discussion on possible climbing areas. Randal noted Massacre Rocks shutdown and that there are possible issues for archeological and cultural resources here too.

John Weston noted the $5k Pitman Roberts grant for a feasibility study on the shooting range shows it has already been disbursed by Idaho Fish & Game. Communication issue and Art Watkins will follow-up.

City of Twin Falls has been billed for $10k for Broken Bridge.

Meeting was Adjourned at 12:40 pm.

Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, August 10, 2023

19^th Hole Restaurant, Jerome Country Club

Attending Board members: Chairman Bill Bridges, John Weston, Greg Moore, Jeff Pierson, Brenda Weekes, and Steve Paulsen. Guests were Larry Hall, Mike Tilka, Jerome Commissioner Art Watkins and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.

Bill called the meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. followed by self-introductions.

Minutes: July 13, 2023 minutes reviewed. Brenda requested replacing “anthropology” with “archeology.” She said the 5-year plan did not receive an official request from rock climbing, but have received a request for a dog park, equestrian trails and camping. She also hasn’t seen Alan’s Off-Road request yet. With changes, Steve motioned to approve, Greg second, motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Bill reported $6,602.00 in the account. Southern Idaho Tourism (SIT) had promised $20k toward the Broken Bridge project and sent two $5k checks, one that Bill deposited, the second check is dated for August 17^th. Southern Idaho Legacy Trails held a paddle fundraiser for the project, but since they are not a 501c3, they gave the funds to SIT. Unsure what that amount was but Bill will check.

Bill reported that Jerome Commissioners asked Tanya Stitt, EMT Director, to be SRCP Treasurer, but she still doesn’t have clear financial records. The Broken Bridge and RV Park need to know the balance from the county’s $60k. Art recalls two accounts that total $60, but a key person at the county is out for medical reasons. Bill is meeting the county Tuesday, August 15^th and asked Commissioner Watkins attend. Bill noted a $2,400 IT amount for the website and $1.5k for signs. Discussion reminding the need for matching funds including Gerald Martens and Brockway Engineering expenses. Brenda noted her request at the City of Twin Falls Council meeting and that Twin Falls will be passing their budget on August 21^st.

Link to Twin Falls Recommended Budget for 2023-2024

RV Park: Bill said they need a permit for the RVP Park sign, which is completed and sign post holes are dug. There will be other speed and directional signs coming. The cattle guard on north side is in. The second cattle guard will be installed at the South side of the park and is being relocated from the South side of the Broken Bridge. Concrete poured around pit toilet. Cattle will go in after October 1^st so fence will need to be done by then. The other vault toilet will arrive in March and the second RV grant will go to cover its additional cost. Bill said first campers are there and he gave them an okay for five-day camping.

Website: Jerome county’s IT department may undertake the SRCP website. Jerome is in the process of changing their own site to a new provider, and they want to add the airport and other county assets. Bill noted we may be able to link to other user group websites. Others noted the current website contractors are doing a better job.

Broken Bridge: Selected contractor is Wolftone (Mike Walters) out of Kimberly with a bid of $158k. Gerald Martens knows them and it was the lesser cost of two bids. Ramp has been fabricated but decking still to be put on. Guard rails/railings had to be done with galvanizing and should be done next week. South end first to get connected, then the bridge and ramp will hold equipment to get to other side. Bill predicts it will be complete within 60 days. Brenda shared the recent Times-News story noting reporter Lorien Nettleton is very interested in covering future park accomplishments. Brenda would like to hold a ribbon cutting when the new bridge is finished.

Times-News: [email protected]

KMVT: [email protected]

Brenda spoke with North Side Canal Company (NSCC) asking about replacing the Yingst grade culvert and suggested a wooden bridge crossing over it. Bill added Alan Hansten with NSCC said they should be involved in this type of community improvement. Bill is hoping after the October water shut off the NSCC can bring in gravel for fill-in and possibly use their equipment to clean up a recent rock slide. Discussion about who is responsible for the culvert as NSCC said their responsibility stops at the upper edge. Questioned if it is BLM or F&G land? Brenda said when we get permit from the BLM for the right of ways, we will need to include it. Charlie said John Tjaden (BLM) found the original easement permit which noted we had 100 feet (50 off each side).

(John Tjaden, Field Specialist, (208) 732-7292 [email protected])

Steve asked about re-veg efforts. The RV park rock has surrounding area that could use re-veg and Bill and Steve will schedule to meet and look at the area around the broken bridge and hopes re-veg work is considered. Bill noted SRCP had an easement from F&G straight south between that and the BLM land, but the easement expired before he joined board. We are reapplying for this and adding 100  feet to bridge. North side is below the water mark so it doesn’t involve BLM. New permit will be like a 20-25 year permit. Brenda asked about other side trails and not just the 100 feet to the bridge, and Bill thinks 95% of that would be covered. Not sure if the CSI fish farm still has an easement.

Shooting Range: John said the draft permit application will be submitted to county commissioners next. The subcommittee is working on the master plan and bylaws. The plan is staged with a 5-year to 20-years building process in sequence. He is working with Mark at the county to map the area of impact and with standard rounds of ammunition there is plenty of room for fallout. All positive responses with 150 people from the public survey.

Overlook: BLM is delayed in providing SRCP a permit to complete testing. Civil Science is the testing company and they are ready. Larry shared the 25-year lease renewal, which is part of the document attached to the North Rim master plan, states a 0.25 mile rim buffer. This is an issue that needs to be addressed. Explained that all the north rim land is in the Preservation District as zoned by Jerome County, except the Allen estate was pre-zoned for houses. The new recreation plan would wipe out the Preservation District, and would allow more options for development along the rim, and the Overlook would be part of that.

Discussion about the 0.25 mile rim buffer requirement and concerns about the effect on the overlook project. Jeff made a motion to not incur the survey/geo expense until we’ve met with the BLM for clarification, and to schedule a meeting with Cody (BLM) and Commissioner Charlie Howell as soon as possible. Steve seconded, all voted with unanimous consent to wait. Larry will wait to inform the engineers to see if this can be resolved.

5-Year Plan: Brenda shared a handout of Proposed Projects by Location, noting the need for maps showing locations. 1) East side of 700 Road added parking lot to support equestrian and rock crawling. 2) North of Ricketts RV Camp trails and possible mountain bike challenge course, trail modification. 3) West side of Hwy 93 off 600 Road dog park, parking lot and fencing with dog partners. 4) Canyon Rim future planned trail project to connect Twin Falls and Jerome County (15-mile loop for biking and hiking).

SRCP Outreach and Grant Opportunities: Bill will speak to the Jerome Rotary on Aug 15^th, and outreach to Optimist Club, Mid Snake Rivers Resource Conservation District on September 22^nd. Steve spoke to the Off-Road club and was well received. Discussion about other grant and community giving opportunities from First Federal, D.L. Evans, ICCU, etc.

Security: Two RVs are camping in the park now. BLM rangers and Jerome Sheriff have been seen patrolling.

Newspaper: Bill asked for ideas for articles.

Other: Charlie Howell is getting an appraisal of the 200 acre property owned by the Prescott’s to see if it can be purchased and incorporated into the park.

ATV rental person is out there with no issues. Bill mentioned possible horse rentals in the future. Bill has enough wood for 5 corrals and in September Sue is putting two corrals in by the RV Park.

Brenda updating brochure and adding to partners to the list including Idaho Power, Jerome County Soil Conservation District, ATV riders, and Southern Idaho Climbing Coalition. Suggested she add the Mountain Bike parking lot on East Side of Silver Beach.

Meeting adjourned at 12:48 p.m.

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 secretary, 208-293-2426; 48 hours prior to the meeting.                                                                             

Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, July 13, 2023

19^th Hole Restaurant, Jerome Country Club

Attending Board members: Chairman Bill Bridges, John Weston, Greg Moore, Jeff Pierson, Sue Williams, Brenda Weekes, Steve Paulsen, Tanya Stitt (Treasurer) and Alan Clauson (via telephone). Guests were Mike Tilka, Jerome Commissioner Art Watkins, Kirsten Hartley, and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.

Bill called the meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. followed by self-introductions.

Minutes: The June 8, 2023 meeting minutes were reviewed, Sue motioned to accept, Greg second, minutes approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Tanya Stitt is the new Treasurer. Account has $1,602. Tanya advised there are still some issues but she is working on getting a detailed listing to understand the RV Grant. Bill ordered Rock at $28,500 for 4 projects preapproved by Jerome Commissioners. Sue recommended contacting Nik’s Excavation to see what rock they used. Tanya informed Greg and others to track their volunteer hours as in-kind, recommending a written time card to properly document and use of machinery or equipment should be noted as well. Greg has all the posts needed to finish the project with a cost of $3/post with 55 posts.

RV Park: Sue reported all pads are now numbered, eight picnic tables are installed and the rest are coming. Vault toilet is installed and locked but sump for the vault toilet is not locked. Sue will see that it gets its own lock. Cattle guard will be installed at North end the first week in August. It is comprised of pre-cast concrete from three 4-foot sections. Gerald Martens trying to get the larger cattle guard from Broken Bridge area to install at the Park mid-end of August. Access road signage is in with directional and speed limit in next few weeks. Fire rings coming in any time and Bill will follow-up. Second vault toilet ordered and going in at Morley Arbor and will have a handicap spot and coming March to April of next year. The Equestrian group will unload and install the corral at the North end of the open area. Concrete walkway and apron to toilet is coming, with one estimate and waiting for a second. The estimate from one contractor said it would be two weeks out, so mid-August at the soonest. The last of the heavy equipment to be out there, plus grading with a 5-foot walkway. Small culvert will be installed and 2-foot apron around the vault. Kiosk installment on hold due to asking Jerome Commissioners for waiver of the ten-foot setback from property line. In this instance both the Park and IDL want the kiosk on their shared property line as the kiosk is double-sided. Commissioner Art Watkins will bring this to the Commissioners to see if the requirement can be waived. There are alternate places, but they are not as good as this one. Sue said the RV target open date is late August.

Website: Alternative vendor proposal presented to County Commissioners but no response yet. New vendor price goes up by $30/month plus $2k for site rebuild-refresh. Art asked for more details about past vendor issues and will follow-up with Commissioners. Bill wondered if Commissioners were going to ask the county IT department if they wanted to take this on.

Broken Bridge: Brenda shared that the last item is the flood plain development permit and now waiting for IDWR approval. Casey with P&Z said it is approved and we should have it tomorrow. Brenda informed Gerald Martens so he may get the contractor going. Last Monday Brenda and Bill asked TF City Council for $46k to pay for their side of the bridge connection and half of the railing on the bridge; awaiting feedback. Discussion about Hazard Mitigation dollars used on the grade and if it can be a wooden bridge instead of a culverts, washouts, size, etc. On July 20^th Bill, Brenda and Art will present to the North Side Canal Company about Yingst Grade.

Shooting Range: John said grant was completely approved and Charlie Howell has the letter. Now it is in the hands of Fish and Wildlife Services to send the award. Grant program coming up again with due date of November 1^st. Feasibility in putting an Archery Range within the park and could be done for less than $5k with 9 target stations, signing, bow/arrow holders, $3k improvements for road and parking, possibly at the hour-glass area behind Don Zuck’s arbor and out 60 yards. However the area identified may have conflicts with Rock Crawlers. John is discouraged with glass cleanup from illegal shooting not more than 15-feet off the road. No date given on when we get the money, but John said sometime in August. John suggested talking with Devil’s Corral owner about his desire to put in a 3D shooting range. Brenda asked John to add this to the planning proposal map.

Range itself coordinates have been done and an additional 25-30 comments on his survey have come in, all in support of the range. That makes 250 comments now on his public survey. The BLM put out survey too but John is not sure how many have responded. Bill said the shooting range check should go to Charlie Howell by December.

Overlook: The BLM guy is waiting for the anthropology report so that John T. can finish his approval. There is an eagle nesting in the area now.

5-Year Plan: User groups were given until July 1^st for proposals and so far only rock climbing group has submitted. Alan said rock crawlers will be sending soemthing. Also interest in a Snake River Kennel Club dog park, overnight camping on the 700 for equestrians, and mountain bike trails. Brenda wants to meet with the BLM with the uses which are acceptable and separate projects by those that have BLM approval and those that do not. She will make sure BLM is good with this approach and it will help layout the timeline. Alan added they want to discuss with Mark Reyes about a layer mapping. No 5-year plan committee meeting scheduled at this point. Sue suggested review all proposals and see if another committee meeting is needed. Brenda informed Rebecca the need for more specifics on areas for the rock climbing use.

Annual Award: Discussion about an annual award for service to the SRCP. Steve motioned to call it the “Snake River Canyons Park Outstanding Service Award” and present recipient with a plaque and picture. John seconded, motion carried.  Will take nominations this December.

Speakers’ bureau: Discussed next forum and shared disappointment with turnout at the last one and heat in the month of August. Suggested tabling until next year.

Security: Bill said cameras in place and no damage so far. 

Maintenance: Need to get the weeds out and need for a tractor to cut grass on the disc golf course. Art will follow-up with Charlie.  Bill will order replacement flag for hole 18. 

Newspaper: Short article this month. Brenda asked about holding a ground breaking for the Broken Bridge construction, will ask Gerald about timing, and will see if we can involve TF City.

Other: CSI President Dean Fisher said the college has 200 acres along 93 and that SRCP could manage it for them. Bill said we should consider a parking lot there to provide alternate access to the North part of the park. Added that Charlie is trying to get a grant to buy 200 acres that belong to Bettencourt.

Reminder for Board Attendance, members can skip only two meetings per year. Greg suggested asking Board Member Rod Morgan his intentions in staying on the board.

Sue would like the Board to consider a specific tent-camping area adjacent to the RV spaces, suggesting the borrow area that runs along the fence as it is now graded. Greg suggested re-seeding it now. Sue will add it to the 5-year plan, placing it north of the Morley Arbor, utilizing 2 acres which could be 5-6 tent sites. Discussed security, leveling other areas, and bringing in fill dirt. Mike suggested contacting Tom Barker.

Meeting adjourned at 12:17 p.m.

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 secretary, 208-293-2426; 48 hours prior to the meeting.                                                                             

Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, June 8, 2023

19^th Hole Restaurant, Jerome Country Club

Attending board members were Chairman Bill Bridges, John Weston, Jeff Pierson, Sue Williams, Brenda Weeks. Guests were

Bill called the meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. followed by self-introductions.

Minutes: The May 11, 2023 meeting minutes were reviewed, Sue motioned, Brenda second, minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Tanya Stitt will be our new Treasurer.  We have $1602 dollars in our bank account.  We need to understand where we stand on the RV grant.

RV Park: The RV park is close to being ready.  The pit toilet is in, just needs to have concrete apron put in.  Sue is looking for a second concractor to pour the concrete.  The First concractor is to slow. 

 In July they will start fencing with a 3-strand barbed wire plus cattle guards. Sue said they got an extension on funding of one year for the first grant. Second grant notification scheduled for June including more rock and second vault toilet.

Website: The Board is unhappy with current provider Canyon Creative. Desert Creative Group has been contacted and considering service. Sue asked for someone else to oversee this and Alan volunteered sharing he has some experience. Alan will set up a call with himself, Bill and Desert Creative Group to pursue.

Broken Bridge: Brenda reported the bridge project is progressing.  Bids are in the low bid was $157,500.  Gerald Martens will work with them to ge the work started.  We have one more permit to obtain.  A Flood Plain permit from the same group that gave us our first permit.

5-Year Action Plan: Goal to set priority projects from all user groups for next 5-years. Brenda ask that everybody get their request in by July 1.  Brenda ans Sue want to meet with the BLM to discuss projects in late July.

Shooting Range: John says the BLM has posted their comment. John started his own comment site and has 100’s of comments already.  BLM might decide to construct the range which would have loss of county involvement. John has been asked to help design some smaller ranges to the south. Fish & Game Grant Status is that Commissioners will meet to approve. If BLM takes it on, it may take out the waiting period, but they are talking about building 6 ranges total in the valley. Ours would be the big one and a multi-use facility. Fear the Oregon Trail markings will be lost at the 700 due to shooting there. Sue suggested the Horse Riders could help identify this and Mark said it is already marked. Discussion of timing of shooting ban (March 2020) and history leading up to it.

Overlook: The BLM is waiting for the anthropology report so that John T. can finish his approval.

Speakers’ bureau: We need better publicity.  Meeting at Bill’s house on June 14.  It was suggested we do one large meeting in August.  Bring in a band and maybe some zoo animals.  Reptiles from the area and maybe some Birds of Prey.  Get the OHV group to organize.

Security: Bill will purchase two trail cameras and put our in the park.

Maintenance: Specifically gravel for pothole at Yingst grade, Disc Golf Course feathering out by tees, overlook needs smoothing out, and Hansen Bridge hole there.

Newspaper Articles: Open for ideas.

Reminder: Arbors and Picnic Table placement.

Open Meeting Rules: Jeff suggested the organization undertake training on open meeting laws, noting potential unknown violations and perceptions. He will inquire with the Idaho Association of Counties about scheduling.

Campground Rules and Open Date: Bill asked for responses to rules he sent about the RV Park. Bill would like the RV Park open as soon as possible (this weekend) and others said this is not  realistic. Sue suggested the soonest it could open is the end of July. Suggested Max of 5 days and question of how is this enforced. Bill said BLM has a 14 day and we can do it less than this and came up with the 5 day limit.  Bill will be doing daily checks and clean up in the RV park when it opens.

New Business: Sue explained her write up to implement a policy to identify outstanding behavior to the group or county based on written criteria and consider for the next meeting.  Sue added that we need a name for the RV – she used “The Rickets RV Camp” for the application. Mike and Mark added that Virginia Rickets was a local historian and had even mapped the Oregon Trail. Maybe also consider Immigrant Trail Camp. To be voted on next meeting.  New business was to be voted on at the June meeting, but it did not happen.

Upcoming Calendar Dates:

Monthly Board Meeting, Thursday July 13, 2023, 11am – 1pm, 19^th Hole

Meeting was adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

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 secretary, 208-293-2426; 48 hours prior to the meeting.                                                                             

Snake River Canyons Park Board

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday, May 11, 2023

19^th Hole Restaurant, Jerome Country Club

Attending board members were Chairman Bill Bridges, John Weston, Jeff Pierson, Sue Williams, Brenda Weeks, and Alan Clauson. Guests were Mike Tylka and Mark Reyes and minutes were taken by Rebecca Wildman.

Bill called the meeting was called to order at 11:08 a.m. followed by self-introductions.

Minutes: The April 13, 2023 meeting minutes were reviewed, Sue motioned, Brenda second, minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Sue said the first two invoices for the RV Park have been paid and funds will come out of the grant. Mike suggested Bill contact Wayke regarding getting gravel to the park. Sue paid $250 for the Health permit for the vault toilet and will submit a receipt for reimbursement.

RV Park: Nicks excavation is laying the rock and aerial photos were taken. The excavator is digging for the vault toilet today and needs a minimum of 4 feet in depth. Larry Maschak is laying rock and they’ve agreed if they cannot get deep enough then they will build it up on the sides.

Sue shared that ATV’s are drag racing on the access road and she proposes trying to close this section until construction is finished. Sue said excavator has caution tape and cones to mark the hole, but she is still concerned. Bill noted the Saturday night speaker series would need to have access. Suggestions included asking for additional sheriff or BLM patrol, signage, barriers, etc. agreement that signage is only thing we can do for liability and suggested signs from the highway department indicating construction zone. Bill will ask the highway department.  

Boulders will be used to identify campsites and will have metallic numbers that correspond from the kiosk. The highway department authorized taking boulders from the quarry the north side of 700 road. Sue asked for help to locate two front-loaders and a trailer to transport boulders to RV camp; the current contractor is too busy to do this.

Photos from Mark’s drone shared. Nicks had offered to do fencing and agreed to clear the perimeter. In July they will start fencing with a 3-strand barbed wire plus cattle guards. Sue said they got an extension on funding of one year for the first grant. Second grant notification scheduled for June including more rock and second vault toilet.

Website: The Board is unhappy with current provider Canyon Creative. Desert Creative Group has been contacted and considering service. Sue asked for someone else to oversee this and Alan volunteered sharing he has some experience. Alan will set up a call with himself, Bill and Desert Creative Group to pursue.

Broken Bridge: Brenda reported the bridge project is progressing with Gerald Martens working to obtain bids by May 15. She met with the Water Resources last week with Aaron Golar and IDWR, and they are pleased with the project and its good use. Jerome county asked for a flood plain development permit. Under this the county works with FEMA for flood insurance, making sure in a mapped flood zone that we are doing things as needed. The P&Zs 1985 maps indicates Flood Zone A. Brenda now just needs Charlie’s sign-off as county property owner. Bill will facilitate signature, P&Z drop off, etc. The concern is more if a development is in a flood plane, not so relevant to our bridge. Construction may begin late summer/fall when water flow goes down. Sue added that Falls2Falls promoters are very interested in this project and some asked if they could help. Discussion on painting bridge for community PR and buy-in from user groups.

5-Year Action Plan: Goal to set priority projects from all user groups for next 5-years. Recent meeting on April 25^th with discussion including naming/adopting trails. Alan suggested a program like adopt-a-highway and would try to get an application example but noted we can make up our own. Brenda said each group (horseback, off-road, rock-crawlers, climbing, mountain bikers), to give us a proposal of their top things, namely trails and supporting things to further their uses. Meeting again on May 23 at 6pm then sit with Mark and protection zones overlay and start working it into a project schedule. Also asked user groups for their ideas on funding sources, grants, and partnerships to get things funded. Asked how the board can help and Sue thought after the next meeting users will have a better idea noting that many are helping with the May 13^th park cleanup. Also ask user groups to think about where to install the 2 arbors and 4 picnic tables that county has for the park and Sue suggested placement of at least one table and arbor at the RV park.

MV Fly Fishers: Brenda shared that May 20 this group is hosting an event at Murtaugh Lake and will be teaching fly fishing. Idaho F&G will have their trailer there, so no fishing licenses are necessary. It starts at 9 am and is a family-friendly event with food provided.

Shooting Range: John is waiting for the BLM to post their comment period (was to be done last January). BLM might decide to construct the range which would have loss of county involvement. John has been asked to help design some smaller ranges to the south. Fish & Game Grant Status is that Commissioners will meet to approve. If BLM takes it on, it may take out the waiting period, but they are talking about building 6 ranges total in the valley. Ours would be the big one and a multi-use facility. Fear the Oregon Trail markings will be lost at the 700 due to shooting there. Sue suggested the Horse Riders could help identify this and Mark said it is already marked. Discussion of timing of shooting ban (March 2020) and history leading up to it.

Overlook: Larry Hall’s contractors were to walk property there but Bill hasn’t heard if it happened.

Park Clean up: May 13, 2023, beginning at 8:00am. Bill wants a second trailer to take trash out of disc golf park. Asked about Western Waste toilet being moved and Bill asked it to be moved back away from the picnic table.

Speakers’ bureau: Saturday night 2 speakers about Archeology and Chinese Camps (on website calendar page). Other speakers confirmed include Steve Paulson on June 10 talking about native plants. Other possible speaker dates to be determined.

Security: Already discussed. Lately lots of vandalism. Suggested bringing paint to Saturdays cleanup and doing some touch up.

Maintenance: Specifically gravel for pothole at Yingst grade, Disc Golf Course feathering out by tees, overlook needs smoothing out, and Hansen Bridge hole there.

Newspaper Articles: Open for ideas.

Reminder: Arbors and Picnic Table placement.

P&Z Recreation Zoning: Next P&Z meeting is Monday. Bill noted the proposed change would benefit Devil’s Corral for what they want to do, but it would have a negative impact on Herb Allen’s estate with allowing for fewer homes.

Open Meeting Rules: Jeff suggested the organization undertake training on open meeting laws, noting potential unknown violations and perceptions. He will inquire with the Idaho Association of Counties about scheduling.

Campground Rules and Open Date: Bill asked for responses to rules he sent about the RV Park. Bill would like the RV Park open as soon as possible (this weekend) and others said this is not  realistic. Sue suggested the soonest it could open is the end of July. Suggested Max of 5 days and question of how is this enforced. Bill said BLM has a 14 day and we can do it less than this and came up with the 5 day limit.

New Business: Sue explained her write up to implement a policy to identify outstanding behavior to the group or county based on written criteria and consider for the next meeting.  Sue added that we need a name for the RV – she used “The Rickets RV Camp” for the application. Mike and Mark added that Virginia Rickets was a local historian and had even mapped the Oregon Trail. Maybe also consider Immigrant Trail Camp. To be voted on next meeting.

Upcoming Calendar Dates:

Monthly Board Meeting, Thursday June 8, 2023, 11am – 1pm, 19^th Hole

5-Year Plan Meeting, Tuesday, May 23, 2023 6pm – 8pm, 19^th Hole

Meeting was adjourned at 12:47 p.m.

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 secretary, 208-293-2426; 48 hours prior to the meeting.                                                                             

Snake River Canyons Park Boards

300 N. Lincoln Ave.

Jerome, ID.  83338-2317

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday Feb. 9, 2023

Meeting at Caddy Shack, Jerome Country Club

The meeting was called to order at 11:00 am by chairman Bill Bridges, Also, in attendance were board members Sue Williams, John Weston, Jeff Pierson, Greg Moore and Brenda Weekes.

Guests included: Lisa Cresswell, David Freiberg, Mike Tylka, Randel Brunmeier, Rebecca Wildman, Mike Jurak, Terry Mode, Bill Maikranz (President OHV club), Jeff Trammell (Past President OHV club), Jerry Duffy, Ray Sheen, Jack Hartman, Ben Crouch.

All board members and guest introduced themselves.

The minutes from the January 12, 2023 meeting were approved.

Bill Bridges gave the treasurers report.

The county budget for 2023 is $25,000  -$1500 for signs and $2400 for the WEB page and Facebook.

$1602 in our account. 

A brief discussion was had on moving the meeting to a different time or place.  The question was raised regarding moving the meeting time from a time during the day to an evening meeting so new board members could participate who may not be able to take time off from work during the day.  Most board member indicated they would like the meetings to stay the same time and place.  No vote was taken.

We need more volunteers to help upkeep the park.

Sue Williams gave an update on the RV Park.  Sue has submitted another grant to Idaho Parks and Recreation Dept. For an additional $43,000 to cover the increased costs of the second vault toilet and additional gravel.  The grant was submitted Jan. 27.  All of the grading is completed and we are waiting for the rock to be installed.  The first vault toilet will be delivered in the April time frame.   Sue has acquired some wood for three horse corrals.  The Cache Peak chapter of Back Country Horseman have volunteered to help build the corrals.

Bill Bridges gave a short review of the Web page in Lexi’s absents.  We are slowly getting improvements.  Lexi and Bill have tried to make several meetings with Canyon Crest Creations, to no avail.  We need more feedback.  A member of the OHV club pointed out that the picture of the ORV is a $500,000 race car.  We need to get that changed.

Brenda Fittante Weekes talked about the Broken Bridge.  We are waiting on the Water Resources Board.  It has been sent to the Army Corp of Engineers and Idaho Fish & Game.  Brenda also has paper work in with the Idaho Dept of Lands.  The Dept. of Lands is waiting on the Water Resources Board.  We need a legal survey of the bridge area to get the Dept. of Lands and BLM approvals.

 John Weston spoke about the gun range.  John has provided drawings and information.  Sue Wiiliams wrote a grant to get a professional feasibility plan for the shooting range.  This is the first step in getting the land approved for a shooting range north of I84.  David Freiberg spoke a little about his effect to get all the BLM’s paper work ready.  He needs contact information for all gun users and groups in the Magic Valley.  Money for the grant will be available in early 2024, if approved.   

Several members of the OHV club spoke about their long-standing use of the park.  They questioned the policy of “stay on the trails” and wanted reinstatement of the “go anywhere” policy.  David Freiberg, BLM, stated the signage referencing “Stay on Trails” has all been removed.  The club would like to have input to updating the priorities for the park.  The club has cleaned the park for 24 years and kept it from being closed because of the trash.   Brenda invited two members to be on the subcommittee writing the new priorities.

Bill Bridges spoke on the Shoshone Falls Overlook briefly.  The cell tower in the area has been cancelled.  Any road we build into the area will be over a 20 foot cliff.

Next on the list was working on a Master Plan.  Brenda showed copies of the maps from the old Master Plan to the OHV representatives.  Bill pointed out that the old plan called for an update in 2024 and then get the 25 year extension.  The county got the 25 year extension first, because we needed it to get grants.

Bill Bridges ask board members for ideas on newspaper articles.

A security discussion about Yingst Grade was next.  Charlie Howell is working on getting a light for the parking lot.

Meeting Adjourned at 12:51 PM.

The next Park Board meeting will be held at the 9^th Hole restaurant on Thursday March 9, 2023 (second Thursday of the month) from 11am-1pm.

Minutes Approved:

_____________________________________________                                     ________________

Signature of Snake River Canyons Park Board Member                                       Date

_____________________________________________                                     ___________________

Signature of Snake River Canyons Park Board Member                                       Date

Note: Highway district meeting was on Thursday night, 12.8.22.  Bill went to the meeting.  The parking lot is a legal turnaround on Yingst Grade Road.  So no gate to close it off.  Speed bumps are not allowed on public streets in Jerome County.  One reason is they damage snow plows.

Snake River Canyons Park Boards

300 N. Lincoln Ave.

Jerome, ID.  83338-2317

Open Meeting Minutes

Thursday Feb. 9, 2023

Meeting at Caddy Shack, Jerome Country Club

The meeting was called to order at 11:00 am by chairman Bill Bridges, Also, in attendance were board members Sue Williams, John Weston, Jeff Pierson, Greg Moore and Brenda Weekes.

Guests included: Lisa Cresswell, David Freiberg, Mike Tylka, Randel Brunmeier, Rebecca Wildman, Mike Jurak, Terry Mode, Bill Maikranz (President OHV club), Jeff Trammell (Past President OHV club), Jerry Duffy, Ray Sheen, Jack Hartman, Ben Crouch.

All board members and guest introduced themselves.

The minutes from the January 12, 2023 meeting were approved.

Bill Bridges gave the treasurers report.

The county budget for 2023 is $25,000  -$1500 for signs and $2400 for the WEB page and Facebook.

$1602 in our account. 

A brief discussion was had on moving the meeting to a different time or place.  The question was raised regarding moving the meeting time from a time during the day to an evening meeting so new board members could participate who may not be able to take time off from work during the day.  Most board member indicated they would like the meetings to stay the same time and place.  No vote was taken.

We need more volunteers to help upkeep the park.

Sue Williams gave an update on the RV Park.  Sue has submitted another grant to Idaho Parks and Recreation Dept. For an additional $43,000 to cover the increased costs of the second vault toilet and additional gravel.  The grant was submitted Jan. 27.  All of the grading is completed and we are waiting for the rock to be installed.  The first vault toilet will be delivered in the April time frame.   Sue has acquired some wood for three horse corrals.  The Cache Peak chapter of Back Country Horseman have volunteered to help build the corrals.

Bill Bridges gave a short review of the Web page in Lexi’s absents.  We are slowly getting improvements.  Lexi and Bill have tried to make several meetings with Canyon Crest Creations, to no avail.  We need more feedback.  A member of the OHV club pointed out that the picture of the ORV is a $500,000 race car.  We need to get that changed.

Brenda Fittante Weekes talked about the Broken Bridge.  We are waiting on the Water Resources Board.  It has been sent to the Army Corp of Engineers and Idaho Fish & Game.  Brenda also has paper work in with the Idaho Dept of Lands.  The Dept. of Lands is waiting on the Water Resources Board.  We need a legal survey of the bridge area to get the Dept. of Lands and BLM approvals.

 John Weston spoke about the gun range.  John has provided drawings and information.  Sue Wiiliams wrote a grant to get a professional feasibility plan for the shooting range.  This is the first step in getting the land approved for a shooting range north of I84.  David Freiberg spoke a little about his effect to get all the BLM’s paper work ready.  He needs contact information for all gun users and groups in the Magic Valley.  Money for the grant will be available in early 2024, if approved.   

Several members of the OHV club spoke about their long-standing use of the park.  They questioned the policy of “stay on the trails” and wanted reinstatement of the “go anywhere” policy.  David Freiberg, BLM, stated the signage referencing “Stay on Trails” has all been removed.  The club would like to have input to updating the priorities for the park.  The club has cleaned the park for 24 years and kept it from being closed because of the trash.   Brenda invited two members to be on the subcommittee writing the new priorities.

Bill Bridges spoke on the Shoshone Falls Overlook briefly.  The cell tower in the area has been cancelled.  Any road we build into the area will be over a 20 foot cliff.

Next on the list was working on a Master Plan.  Brenda showed copies of the maps from the old Master Plan to the OHV representatives.  Bill pointed out that the old plan called for an update in 2024 and then get the 25 year extension.  The county got the 25 year extension first, because we needed it to get grants.

Bill Bridges ask board members for ideas on newspaper articles.

A security discussion about Yingst Grade was next.  Charlie Howell is working on getting a light for the parking lot.

Meeting Adjourned at 12:51 PM.

The next Park Board meeting will be held at the 9^th Hole restaurant on Thursday March 9, 2023 (second Thursday of the month) from 11am-1pm.

Minutes Approved:

_____________________________________________                                     ________________

Signature of Snake River Canyons Park Board Member                                       Date

_____________________________________________                                     ___________________

Signature of Snake River Canyons Park Board Member                                       Date

Note: Highway district meeting was on Thursday night, 12.8.22.  Bill went to the meeting.  The parking lot is a legal turnaround on Yingst Grade Road.  So no gate to close it off.  Speed bumps are not allowed on public streets in Jerome County.  One reason is they damage snow plows.