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.