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Idaho Parks & Rec News


EXPERIENCE THE GOLD RUSH OF THE 1880s AT CUSTER DAY, JULY 11 Custer, Idaho -- One day a year, the ghost town of Custer in Central Idaho's Land of the Yankee Fork teems with more than 500 people as the historic mining center celebrates its annual "Custer Day." Indeed, the festivities attract almost as many people as originally lived in the mountain village.
Buy Invasive Species Stickers Online for July 4th! State offices will be closed Friday, July 3rd to observe the July 4th holiday. Although offices within state parks will be open, regional offices in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls and Boise will be closed. Boat owners are encouraged to purchase Idaho Invasive Species Stickers online and use their printed receipt as proof of contribution to the fund until their sticker arrives by mail.
MEINEN STEPS ASIDE AS IDPR DIRECTOR Boise (June 12, 2009) - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced today that Robert Meinen will step down as IDPR Director, effective June 15, 2009.
SIGNIFICANT DEMAND CAUSES INVASIVE SPECIES STICKER ORDER PROCESSING DELAYS IDAHO (Friday, June 5, 2009) – The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) released today that the significant number of online and mail-in order requests for Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF) stickers are taxing the fulfillment process and causing delays.
NOHVCC HELPS RIDERS PROTECT TRAILS WITH WEB-BASED WORKSHOPS AND VIDEOS With help from Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A., the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) will be conducting interactive web based workshops, or webinars, for OHV riders and anyone interested in OHV land use beginning in mid-June. The workshops are designed to give riders the skills they’ll need to keep trails open in their areas. The sessions will be 2 -3 hours long and will be conducted by the same OHV management experts who conduct the on-site NOHVCC workshops.
Applications Due for High School Writing Camp At Harriman State Park Applications for a high school writing camp are being accepted through June 15, 2009. Writers @ Harriman, to be held August 2-8, is for students who are entering grades eleven or twelve. During the week of camp, they will work in small groups and one-on-one with professional writers and a naturalist, exploring imaginative writing techniques in Idaho’s superb outdoor classroom. For an application and more details, visit http://writersatharriman.org.
INVASIVE SPECIES STICKERS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT ALL IDAHO STATE PARKS BEGINNING MAY 22 IDAHO – (May 20, 2009) Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF) Stickers will be available for purchase at all Idaho State Parks and Regional Service Centers beginning this Friday, May 22, 2009, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced today. Sales locations are being added in an effort to meet demand and to make it more convenient for boaters to obtain stickers and comply with recently enacted laws.
Idaho’s State Parks Will Remain Open to Offer Affordable Opportunities In 2009 IDAHO (May 18,2009) - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) released today that all Idaho’s State Parks will remain open to offer affordable day-use and overnight camping opportunities through the 2009 camping season.
Klatt Elected As Idaho Park and Recreation Board Chair IDAHO (May 15, 2009)—The Idaho Park and Recreation Board has elected Region One Board Member Steve Klatt of Sagle its chair, making this Klatt’s first term as chairman.
Idaho Park and Recretion Board Meeting May 12-14, 2008: Boise, Idaho The Idaho Park and Recreation Board will meet in Boise at the Spring Hill Suites May 12-14, 2009. Complete agenda's are available for download online.
VOLUNTEER FOR NATIONAL TRAILS DAY EVENT The U.S. Forest Service’s Emmett Ranger District and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) are partnering to host a trail maintenance work day in celebration of National Trails Day, Saturday, June 6, 2009.
IDPR SEEKS RECREATION ENTHUSIASTS TO FILL VANCANCIES ON GRANT ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S IDAHO (May 5, 2008) - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) provides a variety of funding programs and grants to government entities in Idaho for the provision of equipment and for the creation and renovation of outdoor recreational facilities.
Make Your Idaho State Park Campsite, Cabin or Yurt Reservation Online or By Phone Beginning April 22, 2009 IDAHO (Wednesday, April 22, 2009)- Make your reservation today for stays within Idaho’s State Parks. Reservations for campsites, cabins and yurts will be accepted online at www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov, or by phone: 1-888-9-CAMPID (888-922-6743) beginning Wednesday, April 22, 2009 at 8 a.m. MDT.
New Licensing and Registration Requirements for Motorbikes/ATVs/UTVs/ Specialty Off-Highway Vehicles Take Effect IDAHO – (April 10, 2009) The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation announced this morning that new requirements impacting licensing and registration of motorbikes, ATVs and UTVs were signed into law late yesterday afternoon.
Idaho Boaters Will Help Fund Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention in Idaho IDAHO – (April 9, 2008) Legislation passed today will assist in funding programs to prevent the introduction of invasive aquatic species in Idaho. The new law requires boaters, both motorized vessels and non, to contribute to the Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF).
STATE PARKS RESERVATION SERVICES SUSPENDED APRIL 5 - APRIL 21 IDAHO - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced Monday that reservation services will be suspended for the period April 5 through April 21, 2009 in order to transition from its interim call center operation to the new reservation services provided by ReserveAmerica.
Grooming Ends at Harriman State Park for the Season BOISE (March 24, 2009) — Warming temperatures and lengthening days have brought spring ski conditions to Harriman State Park.
Ponderosa State Park Ends Grooming for the Season IDAHO (March 24, 2009) — Ponderosa State Park will end grooming of their Nordic ski trails for the season on March 29th, 2009. The trails will be open to non-motorized public use.
2nd Annual Idaho Boating Program "Wear It" Poster Contest BOISE (February 26, 2009) — The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Idaho Boating Program “Wear It” Poster Contest. We’re inviting all of Idaho’s 4th grade students to enter the contest.
PUBLIC MEETING SCHEDULED TO ADDRESS LESEE FEES WITHIN HEYBURN STATE PARK PLUMMER- The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) will host a public meeting Saturday, March 7, 2009, to discuss appraisals, lease fees, utility fees and subsequent processes pertaining to float homes and cabins located within Heyburn State Park.
Rice Re-appointed As Idaho Park and Recreation Board Member MOSCOW (January 28, 2008) — Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter announced today that he will be re-appointing Randal Rice of Moscow to serve as Region II representative on the Idaho Park and Recreation Board.
Castle Rocks State Park offers Valentine Castle Getaway Take your sweetheart on a romantic excursion to scenic Castle Rocks State Park during the 2009 Valentine Getaway, on Saturday, February 14.
IDAHO BOAT REGISTRATIONS HELP FUND COUNTY RECREATIONAL BOATING SERVICES AND MARINE LAW ENFORCEMENT IDAHO –The time to renew boat registrations in Idaho is here and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) would like to remind boat owners that Idaho boating registration dollars help fund the county recreational boating services and marine law enforcement activities through the registration designation process.
Free Ski/Snowshoe Day January 10, 2009 IDAHO - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) is sponsoring Free Ski/Snowshoe Day statewide, with free access to all Idaho Park N’ Ski locations and Idaho State Parks, to ski or snowshoe on Saturday, January 10, 2009. Special Events / Clinics Offered within select Idaho State Parks and at the Idaho City Park N’ Ski Area
IDPR SEEKS GRANT FUNDS FOR TRAIL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM IDAHO - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) is seeking public input for the following grant proposal:
Public comments invited on Land of the Yankee Fork State Park Master Plan BOISE—If you’re interested in mining history, ghost towns or recreation in the area between the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River and the town of Challis, you may want to share your views with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). The agency is developing a master plan that will guide the development and management of Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, near Challis, for the next 20 years. You can comment online by going to www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov and clicking on the master plan button.
NEW ONLINE RECREATION REGISTRATION RENEWAL SERVICE FOR IDAHO SNOWMOBILES, BOATS SAVES TIME & MONEY IDAHO (December, 2008) – The recreation registration renewal process has been made more convenient with an online renewal service, now available for snowmobiles and boats, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced today.
State Parks Provide Affordable, Close-to-Home, Family Adventures - 2009 Annual Passports on Sale Now IDAHO – December, 2008) – Idaho’s State Parks and recreational trail ways are close-to-home and offer affordable adventures. With thousands of explorable acres, hundreds of miles of hikable, bikable trails and limitless camping, fishing and picnic opportunities, Idaho’s 30 state parks are the perfect locations for creating lasting family memories.
Challis Residents Receive IDPR Honors CHALLIS (November 6, 2008)—Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) employees, Kathleen Durfee, Chuck Felton, Joni Hawley, of Challis, and Ray Fox, of Clayton, were honored at the Department’s Annual Conference, held October 27- 29, in Post Falls, Idaho. Each received awards.
Randall Butt Receives IDPR Honor COEUR D’ALENE/ATHOL (November 6, 2008)—Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) employee, Randall Butt, of Coeur d’Alene, was honored with the Departments Beth Durham award this year.
Tom Joyner Receives IDPR ‘Director’s Award’ HAYDEN (November 6, 2008) — Tom Joyner received the Director’s Award from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). The award recognizes an IDPR staff member who performs duties in a superior manner and exemplifies in attitude and action those traits most desired in a public park and recreation employee.
Nita Moses Awarded ‘Ranger of the Year’ EAGLE (November 6, 2008)—Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) employee, Nita Moses, of Eagle, was honored with the Departments Ranger of the Year award this year.
IDPR Pilots Expanded Veterans Discount Program The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR), in conjunction with the Idaho State Legislature, is initiating a 3-year Expanded Veterans Discount Pilot Program in an effort to sample the use of fee discounts within Idaho State Parks by a larger audience of Idaho Veterans.
IDPR COORDINATES FREE AVALANCHE AWARENESS CLASSES STATEWIDE IDAHO (October 14, 2008) - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) will be presenting free, snowmobile-centered, basic avalanche awareness classes throughout the state this winter.
IDPR Accepting Sealed Bids for Purchase of Used Over Snow Vehicles Sealed proposals will be received by the State of Idaho, Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR), 5657 Warm Springs Avenue, Boise, Idaho 83716. All bids must be received at our Headquarters by 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on Wednesday, October 22, 2008, for: THE PURCHASE OF USED OVER SNOW VEHICLES (OSVs).
New Climbing Area Opens At Castle Rocks
Van Wyck Boat Ramp and Parking Area Closed for Improvements CASCADE (October 2, 2008) – The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced ramp closures today that will impact boat launch and parking access within the Van Wyck unit of Lake Cascade State Park.
Castle Rocks State Park Hosts Trail Ride ALMO - Saddle up and experience all the colorful fall foliage and grand scenery that Castle Rocks has to offer on Saturday, October 4th.
Online Reservation Services for Idaho State Parks Halted Temporarily IDAHO (September 17, 2008)- The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced today that it is temporarily halting access to online reservations for campsites, cabins and yurts, due to ongoing performance issues with the current reservation system and customer complaints.
WATERFOWL HUNTERS URGED TO TAKE BOATING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IDAHO (September 24, 2007) – Waterfowl hunting season has arrived in Idaho. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) urges all waterfowl hunters to wear life jackets and take necessary safety precautions when on the water.
CITY OF ROCKS CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY (ALMO, IDAHO)—City of Rocks National Reserve will celebrate its 20th anniversary with interpretive and recreational activities on Saturday, September 20th. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. at Register Rock, where wagon trains of California-bound emigrants left their signatures over 160 years ago. Celebration activities include wagon rides, live music, living history presenters, Dutch oven cooking, chuck wagon authentic chili, Idaho Falconers, climbing demonstrations, geology hikes, junior ranger programs, earth-caching and more. All activities are free to the public (optional chili dinner is $6 per plate). During the event, there will be complimentary shuttle service from parking areas to the event site will be provided. Festivities conclude at 3pm.
CLOSURE OF SUGARLOAF CAMPGROUND AND PARTIAL CLOSURE OF SUGARLOAF BOAT RAMP AREAS FOR IRRIGATION INSTALLATION PROJECT Improvements have begun at the Sugarloaf Campground and Boat Ramp areas of Lake Cascade State Park according to Park Manager, Theresa Perry.
FARRAGUT STATE PARK ANNOUNCES 2008 FALL SCHEDULE Farragut State Park will be adjusting the fall closing dates of facilities to accommodate a number of ongoing park improvement projects. “The park is undergoing major work on our infrastructure, at the boat launch, and in our resource management,” said Randall Butt, Park Manager. “We’re positioning the park for its future, while enhancing our protection of the natural resource.”
IDAHO CITY AREA TRAILS PLAN ANNUAL CLEANUP WEEKEND BOISE – Come and join the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) for a weekend of fun and contribution to a great case, as we clean up the Idaho City Yurt Trails and get them ready for winter activities.
Free Boating Education Classes in August BOISE - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Boating Program is announcing free, one-day (approximately 8 hours) boating education classes to be offered during August at three locations around the State.
City of Rocks Offers Geology Presentation City of Rocks National Reserve features hundreds of granite towers and monoliths, some reaching over 60 stories high. In the shadows of Bath Rock, geologist and author Dr. Kevin Pogue will tell the fascinating story of how they came to be. The public is invited to attend this free presentation, which begins 9 p.m., Saturday, August 16. Dr. Pogue will also be available to autograph his newly released book “Etched in Stone” The geology of City of Rocks and Castle Rocks State Park.
IDPR LAUNCHES NEW WEB, BLOG SITE FOR CENTENNIAL TRAIL ENTHUSIASTS BOISE – Anyone who has an interest in hiking, biking, horseback riding or riding a motorcycle or ATV on the Idaho Centennial Trail (ICT) should be aware that the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has created new, robust web content about the ICT.
City of Rocks Offers Climbing Workshop City of Rocks State Park offers a climbing workshop.
Castle Rocks State Park Hosts Star Party Castle Rocks State Park Hosts Star Gazing Party
NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROCESS AT FARRAGUT ENHANCES PROTECTION OF AQUIFER (ATHOL – July 11, 2008) The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced today that proactive measures are being taken within Farragut State Park to address concerns associated with sewage drainfields. The agency has begun construction on a new wastewater treatment system that will ultimately eliminate drain fields within the park altogether and enhance protection of the underground aquifer flowing beneath the park.
City of Rocks Climbing Workshop City of Rocks hosts climbing workshop
2008 Commemorates 100 Years of State Parks in Idaho IDAHO (July 1, 2008) - Idaho celebrates the centennial of its first state park, Heyburn State Park located in Plummer, Idaho this year. To commemorate the occasion, The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has planned statewide programs and events with special celebrations at every Idaho State Park on Saturday, July 12, 2008.
Intoxication Checkpoints To Be Conducted On Idaho Waterways IDAHO (June 6, 2008) The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced today that they will be working cooperatively with County Sheriff Offices to organize intoxication checkpoints on Idaho waterways beginning in June, in an effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related boating injuries and fatalities. The checkpoints will be part of multi-agency enforcement efforts on Idaho waterways throughout the summer, checking boaters who may be operating under the influence (OUI).
Parks Host Birders Weekend Events City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park will conduct Birders Weekend on Saturday, June 7th, through the Sunday, June 8th. June is prime to experience the sights and sounds of birds arriving to the Albion Mountains from Central and South America.
SANDY POINT at LUCKY PEAK STATE PARK reopens concession BOISE (May 19, 2008) – The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced food will once again be available for visitors at the Sandy Point beach area, open 11:30am to 7:30pm daily.
NO CAMPING WITHIN PONDEROSA STATE PARK FOR MEMORIAL WEEKEND MCCALL (May 20, 2008) – The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced today that Ponderosa State Park will not be accessible to campers Memorial Weekend due to remaining snow and significant winter damage to both trees and the water system within the park. Limited day-use will be available.
CAMPGROUND DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE VAN WYCK UNIT OF CASCADE (May 16, 2008) – The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced closures today that will affect camping within the Van Wyck unit of Lake Cascade State Park throughout the 2008 camping season.
IDPR Announces Safe Boating Week 2008 IDAHO (May 16, 2008)- Idaho is a boaters paradise. Hundreds-of-thousands of motorized and non-motorized vessels take to Idaho waterways annually. As such, Governor Otter has proclaimed May 17 – 23, 2007 Safe Boating Week. The theme of this year’s Safe Boating
Water Safety Notice For the Discovery Unit of Lucky Peak State Park Water boil notice issued for the Discovery Unit of Lucky Peak State Park.
Castle Rocks State Park / City of Rocks National Reserve Host Wildflower Weekend Events Celebrate spring with a weekend of wildflower programs and activities May 10th, through the 11th at City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park.
IDPR Announces "Wear It" Poster Contest IDAHO (March 31, 2008) - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to announce an Idaho Boating Program “Wear It” Poster Contest. This contest will be directed toward all of Idaho’s 4th grade students. Much like a helmet to a biker or skate boarder, life jackets are an essential part of your boating safety equipment and should be worn at all times while on the water. The Idaho Boating Program believes safety lessons learned and practiced at an early age serve to protect individuals throughout life; therefore, the primary goal of this contest is to teach students to wear their life jacket and be safe when near or in the water.
Equipment Malfunction Marks End of Grooming For The Idaho City Park N Ski Area The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced today that the trail groomer in the Idaho City Park N’ Ski area is out of commision for the remainder of the season.
Broken Groomer Will Effect Trail Conditions In The Idaho City Park N’ Ski Area IDAHO CITY (February 8, 2008) – The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) announced today that equipment failure will prevent the grooming of trails within the Idaho City Park N’ Ski area.
IDAHO BOAT REGISTRATIONS HELP FUND COUNTY RECREATIONAL BOATING SERVICES AND MARINE LAW ENFORCEMENT IDAHO (December 3, 2007) –As the time to renew boat registrations in Idaho draws near, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) would like to remind boat owners that Idaho boating registration dollars help fund the county recreational boating services and marine law enforcement activities through the registration designation process
PUBLIC COMMENT CONCLUDES ON CASTLE ROCKS STATE PARK BUNKHOUSE PROJECT ALMO (November 6, 2007) - The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) has announced today that the comment period on the proposed bunkhouse facility has concluded. “We have received a wide variety of comments from park visitors, agency partners, and community members over the past three months,” said Bob Meinen, IDPR Director, “and we plan to approach the project from a different perspective than initially presented.”
Outdoor Enthusiasts Invited To Attend IdahoOutdoors Showtime Event BOISE (October 22, 2007) - IdahoOutdoors, a free, web-based Yahoo group with over 1300 members, invites you to experience "IdahoOutdoors Showtime" a multi-format, showcasing of the group's many trips. Hundreds of trips, such as backpacking, hiking, climbing, rafting/canoeing, skiing, snowshoeing and hot springing, have taken place over the last few years and this event will give you a taste of Idaho's diverse backcountry. The primary purpose of the IdahoOutdoors group is to be a clearinghouse for non-motorized trips and sharing outdoor information.
WATERFOWL HUNTERS URGED TO TAKE BOATING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IDAHO (September 25, 2007) - Waterfowl hunting season has arrived in Idaho. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) urges all waterfowl hunters to wear life jackets and take necessary safety precautions when on the water.
FARRAGUT STATE PARK TO HOST OPEN HOUSE ON SEWER MANAGEMENT PLAN ATHOL - Farragut State Park will be hosting an open house on September 25th from 5 to 7 PM to present a proposal on upgrading the parks sewage treatment. Representatives from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Panhandle Health Department, Welch Comer Engineering and park staff will be available to answer questions and describe the enhancement proposal.