The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area received $350,000 to launch an outdoor classroom program at the conservation area. (Courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management)
Three outdoor recreation sites in southwest Idaho are set to receive upgrades, thanks to a new grant program aimed at improving public lands.
On Dec. 11, the Foundation for America’s Public Lands awarded $565,000 to Idaho projects through the Lands to Love Catalyst Fund. This inaugural grant program supports initiatives in areas managed by the Bureau of Land Management that enhance access, stewardship and awareness of public lands and waters.
The funding will benefit the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, the Ridge to Rivers trail system and the Wilson Creek Travel Management Area.
Enhancing education and outdoor accessibility in Idaho
The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area received $350,000 to launch an outdoor classroom program at the conservation area.
Steve Alsup, president of the Birds of Prey NCA partnership, said the grant comes at a perfect time for the organization.
“Our partnership with the Foundation for America’s Public Lands will greatly expand our ability to bring quality STEM educational opportunities to students across the Treasure Valley,” Alsup said in a press release. “The aim of our new outdoor classroom program is to introduce as many high school and middle school aged students to the NCA as we can, while also providing a more intensive, internship-style opportunity to two undergraduate students each semester.”
In the Boise foothills, the city of Boise received $200,000 to enhance facilities at the Cartwright Trailhead, part of the Ridge to Rivers trail system. Planned upgrades include expanded parking, dedicated spaces for horse trailers and restrooms.
“The city is honored to receive a Lands to Love Catalyst Grant to improve and expand the access and safety of our Boise Foothills trail system,” Boise Mayor Lauren McLean said. “This exciting partnership furthers Boise’s legacy of protecting shared open spaces and creates more opportunities for residents to enjoy all that our vibrant foothills have to offer.”
The Wilson Creek Travel Management Area in the Owyhee Desert will receive $15,000 to improve its hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails.
“The Lands to Love Catalyst grant will enable the Wilson Creek Trail Coalition, in partnership with the BLM Owyhee Field Office, to invest in fireproof signage and walk-through gates that will help keep trail users and animals safe, while minimizing off-trail damage and enhancing the outdoor experience for all visitors,” Susan Kolbay of the Wilson Creek Trail Coalition said. “These long-term investments – even simple ones like these – highlight the importance of collaboration in caring for our public lands, ensuring they remain sustainable and accessible for generations to come.”
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