Conservation sales protect salmon habitat.

The Page family, owners of 2,200 acres in the Pahsimeroi Valley agreed to permanently protect important salmon habitat on their working ranch.

“This ranch had all the parts needed for great conservation - it had good restoration opportunities, strong water rights, strong operational values and the potential to be a viable conservation ranching operation," said Tom Page, who co-owns Big Creek Ranch with his brother, Michael. "We hope that through our efforts, and through the work of our partners, the native fish return to the Upper Pahsimeroi Basin."

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Sagebrush Steppe Land Trusts works with City of American Falls on Trails

Talks are in the early stages for building a walking and biking trail system from Seagull Bay to Massacre Rocks State Park. The plan was developed in City of American Falls scoping sessions held earlier this year.

People come from miles around to mountain bike on trails near Massacre Rocks, said American Falls Mayor Marc Beitia. Trails around the state park are usually open to winter use, so increasing the biking trails may increase the number of tourists around the area in the winter months, he said. The trail can be used by hikers and birders as well.

American Falls City officials met with Jerry DeBacker with the Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust at the end of March to discuss the possibility of the trail. The trust sets up easements for conservation projects on private land using IRS regulations that allow for easements, and recreation is one of the easements allowed, DeBacker said. The trust would negotiate with private landowners for the easement rights to the property, he said. Read More

Daniel's Creek easement provides opportunity for trail connections from Polecat Gulch to the Boise Front

Monday, July 14, 2014

Daniel's Creek easement provides opportunity for trail connections from Polecat Gulch to the Boise Front

A new 12.6-mile trail easement linking Polecat Gulch Reserve to the Boise Front will provide long-awaited trail connectivity from Northwest Boise to the Shafer Butte trail system at Bogus Basin. 

A proposal for the easement was approved July 15 by the Boise City Council.  Read more