(McCall, ID) – A new public access trail to Ponderosa State Park is closer to construction thanks to an Idaho Outdoor Recreation Fund grant that will fund the purchase of a trail easement. There is currently one official entrance to the park, which is the main entrance at 1920 North Davis Avenue in McCall.
The Outdoor Recreation Fund Advisory Council (ORFAC) was created by Idaho Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Legislature to recommend projects to expand outdoor recreation or access to it in Idaho. See the Executive Order. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) are to work cooperatively to gather proposed projects submitted by applicants across the state to present for ORFAC approval. Project examples include expansion of recreational facilities such as parks and trails and agreements to gain entry to new areas for public recreation.
Purchasing an easement for a public trail to Ponderosa State Park was proposed by the Payette Land Trust (PLT). A $300,000 ORFAC grant was approved so PLT can buy an easement where the trail will eventually be constructed off Lick Creek Road. The easement will be purchased from IDL. An easement purchase is appropriate in this case because the land where the trail is planned is on Idaho Endowment Land. Endowment lands are managed by IDL for the best long-term financial benefit of the endowment beneficiaries that own the lands, which include Idaho public schools. Once the easement purchase is official, PLT will work with other organizations to fundraise and gather funds to build the public trail.
“This project was chosen because it preserves public access at this location, regardless of what development or changes occur on these lands moving forward,” said Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Director Susan Buxton. “ORFAC provided the ability to work together on this easement purchase and we thank the Payette Land Trust for taking this on.”
PLT works with landowners, like the Idaho Department of Lands, to secure perpetual easements to help conserve the rural landscapes of west-central Idaho. “This grant has allowed IDPR, IDL and PLT to work together for the collective good of McCall and Valley County, benefiting current and future residents and visitors,” said Payette Land Trust Executive Director Craig Utter. “It is important for our community to create dedicated spaces for trails which provide for safe recreation and travel for walkers, runners and bikers.”
“This is an opportunity to provide recreational opportunities to the public with trail access to Ponderosa State Park while maintaining our undivided loyalty to the endowment beneficiaries,” said Roger Hall, Idaho Department of Lands Real Estate Bureau Chief. “It has been rewarding to work with the Payette Land Trust, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Outdoor Recreation Fund Advisory Council on this project, and we look forward to the completion of this proposed trail.”