A new grant program aimed at enhancing public lands is scheduled to provide improvements to three outdoor recreation areas in southwest Idaho.
Through the Lands to Love Catalyst Fund, the Foundation for America’s Public Lands gave $565,000 to Idaho projects on December 11. This first grant program funds projects that improve public lands and waters’ accessibility, stewardship, and awareness in regions under the Bureau of Land Management’s management.
The Wilson Creek Travel Management Area, the Ridge to Rivers trail system, and the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area will all benefit from the investment.
Improving outdoor accessibility and education in Idaho
$350,000 was given to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area in order to establish an outdoor education program there.
The money is well-timed for the Birds of Prey NCA partnership, according to Steve Alsup, its president.
Alsup stated in a press statement that the collaboration with the Foundation for America’s Public Lands will significantly increase our capacity to provide high-quality STEM education opportunities to students throughout the Treasure Valley. In addition to offering two undergraduate students a more extensive internship-style experience each semester, the goal of our new outdoor classroom program is to introduce as many high school and middle school children as possible to the NCA.
The city of Boise was awarded $200,000 to improve amenities at the Cartwright Trailhead, which is a component of the Ridge to Rivers trail system in the foothills of Boise. Additional parking, bathrooms, and areas specifically designated for horse trailers are among the planned improvements.
According to Boise Mayor Lauren McLean, the city is thrilled to have been awarded a Lands to Love Catalyst Grant to enhance and broaden the Boise Foothills trail system’s accessibility and safety. This innovative collaboration expands on Boise’s history of preserving public open areas and gives locals additional chances to take advantage of what our thriving foothills have to offer.
The Owyhee Desert’s Wilson Creek Travel Management Area will get $15,000 to upgrade its equestrian, mountain biking, and hiking paths.
In order to protect trail users and animals, minimize off-trail damage, and improve the outdoor experience for all visitors, the Wilson Creek Trail Coalition, in collaboration with the BLM Owyhee Field Office, will be able to invest in walk-through gates and fireproof signage thanks to the Lands to Love Catalyst grant, said Susan Kolbay of the Wilson Creek Trail Coalition. Even little, long-term efforts like this show how crucial teamwork is to maintaining our public lands and making sure they are accessible and viable for future generations.
GET THE HEADLINES FOR THE MORNING.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
