Snake River Canyons Park Board
Open Meeting Minutes
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Blue Lakes Country Club, Jerome, Idaho
Attending Board Members: Chairman Bill Bridges, Steve Paulson, Brenda Weekes, Mark Reyes, Jim Williams, John Weston, Lisa Callen, and Jeff Pierson (by phone). Not present: Greg Moore
Guests: Commissioner Art Wakins, Larry Hall Advisor for the Overlook Project, Mike Tylka Advisor, Aaron Utz with Idaho Power, Jody Revai with Premier Security, Bruce Balthrope, Ray and Karlene Sheen with SIORA, Tim Lauda, Jim Wall, and Kevin Utley interested in a location for gun dog field trials, Sarah Mayer, Shane Claborn and Kinsey Thatcher with Twin Falls Signs, and Rebecca Wildman taking minutes.
Bill called the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m. with a quorum was present and self-introductions were made.
Minutes: Minutes from the February 12, 2026, meeting were reviewed with no changes. Jim made a motion to approve, Lisa Callen seconded, motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: The general account budget is $90,900 and $21k has been spent, primarily on garbage, toilets and security services. The overlook account has $193k, which is enough to finish the overlook project. The 501(c)3 account has a balance of $100k and recent checks were written totaling $60k.
Bricks R Us: Brenda shared her report and explained the process with Bricks R Us, her process of tracking payments made through the website, through the county, or directly to her, and moving funds into the 501c3 account. She reported sales to date totaling over $13k from more than 70 donors.
Shoshone Falls Overlook:
Ribbon Cutting: Bill suggested hosting an event early May, pending Chobani’s preferred date.
Overlook Management: Jerome Commissioners directed the Board to work with Premier Security to hire and manage staff for the overlook. Committee has flagged areas for placing signs, and Cooper Smith from Chobani identified one of two specific rocks for their legacy sign marker.
Overview of Project: Larry shared background information on the project’s origins in 2017, an initial Geotech survey with Idaho Power and Jerome County contributing $100k each. Idaho Power has since contributed another $250k, and Chobani contributed $250k in January 2026 for their Legacy Project. All work on the road and parking areas are complete and paid for. There is still work to be completed on the overlook pad, pathways, and ADA. Pending final expenses, the budget will be finalized with an estimate of $470k, and possible $90k carryover.
Gate and IDL: Bill reported that Randal Brunmeier with the Idaho Department of Lands notified him that the grade the road comes down is on IDL property and that IDL will need to approve signage and the gate. Larry shared sign mockups noting they have been sent to IDL. Discussion about the gate and when it will be locked – primarily after hours – for safety reasons and protecting the park’s assets. It was reported that someone has already rutted up the road with their vehicle.
Concessions: Larry’s research proved that a container-type building was not a viable option. He consulted Out West Barns Hickory Shed and they have a building design with a single sloped roof, concession windows and a side door and could be painted with shadow grey. Larry shared a concept design and Out West’s deeply discounted cost of $6,251 including delivery.
Jody Revai researched the cost of solar for the building estimating $9,987 through Bisch’s, plus installation. He recommends enough power for two fridge/freezer combo units. These units are ideal as they can adjust use depending on temperature needs and were at a discount of $900/each. Having them now will help determine the actual solar power needs. Jim made a motion to buy two fridge/freezer units for the concessions stand, Brenda seconded, motion carried.
Jody added the solar bid will intentionally be over-built in case additional equipment needs to be powered in the future. Jody added the benefit of having two separate systems that can overlap in and serve as a backup to each other. He confirmed the solar will be installed on the roof and pointing south, and that it would run necessary lights. A whisper generator could also augment power needs. He will work with the vendor on details. Jim motioned to purchase the concession building, Mark seconded, motion carried.
Brenda informed about the ADA sight-limited display model they are intending to incorporate, and Jody believed it could easily be run with a battery and locked into the snack bar overnight. Cameras will be installed to provide security.
Fee Kiosk: Larry shared plans for the fee kiosk noting the intention is for it to be placed on BLM property. Estimated cost for this smaller building is $3,438.75 and it will also be equipped with solar. Jody added that additional cameras and surveillance is anticipated with live feed to law enforcement. Aaron suggested taking precautions to keep rodents out of these buildings with Steve and Jody discussing ways to prevent it. Brenda motioned to purchase this smaller building, Lisa Callen seconded, motion carried.
Bill added that extra gravel is included in Nix’s bid, and that gravel can be utilized for these buildings.
Signage:
U.S. Highway 93 Signs: Bill and Larry have approval from Jesse Barrus to have signs on the highway pending final approval from the State Highway Department. Signs will include other park assets in addition to just “overlook.”
Entrance sign: Will be large rock, either etched or plated, design still to be determined.
Interpretive signs: Suggested four different panels measuring 4’x8’ for interpretative information and images. Idaho Fish & Game design work is complete and a smaller size at 5’x4’. Other signs will include geology and mining, and Native American and traditional fishery. Brenda stressed if the imagery portion is smaller there is extra area of space to fill. Bill believes the other three signs will fill the space. Jim suggested additional space could include information about the off-road, equestrian, and other recreational activities.
Twin Falls Signs: Shane Claborn shared mockups and discussed design elements for a monument. He reviewed the RV park signage emulating a rusted patina that would hold up well and discussed industrial vinyl with an anti-graffiti laminate, adding they can be replaced with updated signs if new information or donors are added. They can provide an accurate bid once more details are decided. Discussed placement on dirt and on rock and how to secure posts, with mention of break-away safety posts and ADA signage settings. Shane suggested a patinaed roof overhang on the signs noting it wasn’t included in this draft bid. Shane added they can quote installing a “high-notification stripped coating” for the gate signaling it is closed and they can even provide a quote for the gate. Shane provided a signage estimate of $19,247 noting it doesn’t include everything discussed.
Larry asked for approval of the backside of the entrance sign and it was discussed that its design was already approved.
Benches: CSI quoted bench construction for $275/per bench and six have been ordered. Bill asked if anyone has a source for building picnic tables and/or helping repair the corral trailhead post. Bruce Balthrope said he may be available.
Garbage Cans: Republic Waste gave a quote for one large dumpster at 2yd for $70/month or 6yd for $120/month. Discussed larger versus smaller containers and where to place them with Jim suggesting a smaller dumpster near portable toilets and 55/gal cans near the concessions and other places. Bill suggested placing them and seeing if they need to be emptied once per week or more often. Brenda reminded that Republic Waste offered donation of their services and Bill will make that inquiry.
Celebration: Larry summarized his vision for a ribbon cutting event inviting dignitaries and partners, possibly during the first part of May. Bill added that BLM’s marketer, Heather Thiel Nelson, informed him the BLM is thinking about hosting an event on July Fourth at the Overlook and celebrating the BLM’s 80th anniversary and overlap in celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary.
Tour for U.S. Senator Staff: Samantha Marshall and Mike Matthews, local representatives for Senators Crapo and Risch respectively, toured the park with a focus on the shooting range explaining the issues that are holding up this project. Noted the concerns about shooting tailings, but also concerns that without a managed range areas see all kinds of trash and shells left behind. Bill added that twenty years of annual cleanups has significantly improved the southern areas of the park while the northern areas have not had this benefit and looks terrible.
Tractor and Container: Bill will follow-up on the intent to find an artist to paint the back side and end of the container. Rebecca suggested asking Camille Barigar. The portable toilet at this location will be moved as to not block the view of the container’s new art design.
Webpage: Jim asked for social media and the website to include SIORA and their work, and not just Southern Idaho Jeepers. Bill will communicate this.
Special Board Meeting: Bill would like to add a second Special Board meeting in April and will seek availability.
Idaho Power Pole: Idaho Power sent Bill a proposal to place a new power pole within the middle dirt section of the parking lot. The board discussed and agreed Bill and Larry should meet with Idaho Power at the area to determine exactly what is being proposed and consider the best options for the area. They also suggested lining entire parking area with boulders for safety reasons.
Bird Dog Field Proposal: Tim Lauda, Jim Wall, and Kevin Utley attended to inquire about placing a bird dog field training area between the Disc course and Big Little Ranches. The area in mind is just under 800 acres and they estimate a need of 280 acres with a 360 yard buffer zone could be used for dog trials, hunt tests and training. They described the trials and their use of guns, pigeons, and dogs, predicting major trials would be hosted in spring and fall months, but the area could be open for other uses in summer and winter months.
Brenda and Steve informed them how the park’s process works to apply for uses within the master plan and the BLM. The board shared their concerns about this use mentioning lead shot’s environmental issues, proximity, shooting/hunting regulations, archeological reviews and typical timelines for approval from the park’s leadership, the county, and the BLM. The Board offered suggestions for documentation and strategies and awareness of the hurdles they will encounter. Brenda will send them the initial request form.
Weed Abatement: Steve reported he has dedicated a full workday with the Tri-county weed crew (5 rigs and staff) for weed-abatement in the park and a focus on causeways. Rust skeleton weed is the biggest offender and where they will focus. They have already sprayed the disc golf course including each hole landing and launch spots. Bare ground spraying is ahead of schedule and more expensive this year due to newly added areas.
Shooting Range: John shared the proposal to build an archery range on the parcel between Golf Course Road and Blue Lakes Grade with one entrance through BLM’s gate at the well house. The second entrance is 100 yards down Golf Course Road and could incorporate a parking lot. He envisions two archery ranges with one including animals and bullseyes, and the second with strictly archery bullseyes. It could include a walk around for one-half to three-quarters of a mile, and it would be the only one like it throughout the state. Estimated layout is less than $10k and he thinks the three archery clubs in the area would help with outlay. He estimates using 30 acres and Brenda will send John the proposal form and will help him with the form and mapping. Project would include gravel, use of the container for storage, and a parking lot. Jim motioned to approve the archery concept, Mark seconded, motion carried.
Grants: Lisa Callen said the grant application results will be announced in October. She is working on paperwork with the National Guard Armory Readiness Training to help make trailheads. She believes they can be a valued partner for future projects.
Don Zuck Arbor Parking Lot: Jim suggested getting gravel for the lot and getting volunteers to spread it. Brenda will send Jim the BLM’s request form.
Trail from Bridge to Overlook: Bill’s vision is to pursue this project; he mentioned the IDL’s proposed 10-year lease and estimates a $200k investment needed to create the trail.
IDL Permits: Bill informed that any use occurring on IDL property needs to have a permit submitted.
Other: Lisa asked about timelines, getting additional bids on signage and gating and Mark anticipates another quote coming in. Lisa offered to work with Larry on moving things forward.
With no further business the meeting was adjourned at 1:25 p.m.
Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Blue Lakes Country Club and a Special Meeting will be scheduled for later in April.