The Courier
News
New Projects at Billingsley Creek
In 2005, the state parks along the Snake River in Southern Gooding County were combined into one single entity known as Thousand Springs State Park. Billingsley Creek, Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Malad Gorge, Kelton Trail, Niagara Springs, and Ritter Island, make the Hagerman Valley a premiere destination for recreationist from around the world. The Billingsley Creek unit, located just north of Hagerman, is home to the Busy B’s Market, a indoor riding arena, and provides access to the Billingsley Creek Wild Life Management Area. That, however, is about to change dramatically. Ever since this area was acquired by the State of Idaho in 2001, there have been plans to expand and improve the park’s amenities for
camping, hiking, access to fishing, and more. On August 9th, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) officially unveiled their list of new projects for Billingsley Creek which includes all of those things plus entrance road improvements, an arboretum, and a new visitor center. “It was important to the agency that we remain committed to developing Billingsley Creek in a manner that would satisfy as many recreational needs and interests as possible,” said Gordy Hansen, Idaho Park and Recreation Board Member. “We challenged our staff to explore innovative designs and cutting-edge outdoor opportunities, a few of which will soon be part of the Billingsley Creek experience.” One unique addition to the park will be elevated camping. The agency plans to install
Fishing/Paddling Access Overflow Parking
Trail Head
Mgr. Res.
Billingsley Creek Concept P.
Shelter
Amphitheatre
P. V.C.
Park Entry
Huts
Visitors Center- Interactive Interperative Area
Pump Track Exist.
P. P.
Arboretum -Elevated Camping -Viewing Platforms
P. Pavilion
Day Use
Huts
Native Grass Vegetation
Elevated Camping
Trail Connection To Hagerman Trail System
Campground
Pavilion
Dense Planting Buffer
50
100
200
400
Fishing/Paddling Access 800
August 23, 2017 Volume 41 ~ Number 34 Shoshone School District Bond Election
Next Tuesday, August 29th, the Shoshone School District is asking voters to approve a 20-year Construction Bond in the amount of $6,000,000. According to the school’s financial advisor, the bond will add an additional $7.54 a month on a house with a $100,000 market value. Over the last year, the Shoshone Joint School District has been evaluating the building needs of the District. In doing so, the district has identified several critical needs: a remodel of the entrances of the schools; a new Vocational Building and a Multipurpose building on Campus; and new classrooms to replace the ones at the old school complex. By addressing these facility needs now, the district will not have to ask voters for more money for the next 20 years. Part of the justification for the bond is that the current building was originally designed for a population of 500 students. Current attendance is over 600 students. Given that economic continued on page 3... forecasts show healthy growth across Southern Idaho, it is reasonable to believe that Lincoln County will also grow. One concern raised by residents is the proposal to move the Alternative School on campus. Many believe it is functioning well at it’s current building, and is a good use of that facility. There is also a desire to make sure vocational training helps students get or create jobs in Lincoln County - not just add to exodus of our young people to larger communities. Bond election will be held on August 29th. Polling places are: Shoshone Precinct - Community Center, 201 South Beverly North Shoshone Precinct - City & Rural Fire Station 2 704 West 620 North, Shoshone
Fishing/Paddling Access
Group Camp
News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
Fire Restrictions & Burn Bans in Place Fire danger is Very High or Extreme in Idaho
With the exception of lands within the Wilderness Fire Restriction Area in central Idaho, the entire State of Idaho is now under fire restrictions. That means there are restrictions on campfires, smoking, and other activities on private, state and federal lands outside city limits in Idaho. Detailed information can be found at: www.idahofireinfo.com/ p/fire-restrictions.html or by calling 1-844-ID-FIRES.