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 1st to October 31st 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.