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| Land Protected > Projects > Bow Bridge of the Big Wood River |
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Funded through the generosity of an anonymous donor, we are excited to announce the Fall, 2012 completion of the Bow Bridge of the Big Wood River, a pedestrian bridge which spans 160-feet of the Big Wood connecting the east and west sides of Wood River Land Trust's (WRLT) Draper Wood River Preserve and the Hailey Greenway. The public can now walk the trails of the Draper Wood River Preserve and cross the river to Lions Park, connecting with the Blaine County Recreation District's new nordic trails, along with trails on Carbonate Mountain and in Croy Canyon.
Why it is a Conservation Priority
The anonymously-funded Bow Bridge is one part of the WRLT's Hailey Greenway Restoration Project. The river has been straightened south of Bullion Bridge to reduce flooding in nearby neighborhoods. An oxbow in the historic river channel had been filled with 80 years of trash, including pre-solvents and other toxins. Six-hundred cubic yards of material were sifted out of the former dump area, with 90 percent of the inert material being used for restoration, including a path to the Bow Bridge. The new makeup of soil is intended to promote native plants and increase wildlife habitat.
The Bow Bridge is an integral part of our objective to allow people to experience nature, as the bridge itself is a draw for our community and visitors to visit and experience the Hailey Greenway. As people visit special places, they begin to take ownership and pride in the health of the area, thus helping WRLT manage it. We hope this connection with nature will inspire our community and Wood River Valley visitors to become more involved with land protection and restoration.
What To Do And See:
The Bow Bridge provides additional recreational activities, connecting the east and west sides of the Big Wood River. The structure depicts a "recurve" bow with tips that curve away from the archer when the bow is strung. The bridge designer, Leslie Howa of Howadesign, said her inspiration for the design and Bow Bridge moniker came from her passion for archery and the Native American history of the Wood River Valley. On the east side of the Bow Bridge stands a 17-foot, steel arrow with three-foot fletches. Other embellishments include bronze bowstring loops; and steel leaves adorn the bridge, emulating the surrounding forest canopy.
Be sure to look for hidden quotes about nature and inspiration throughout the Hailey Greenway.
Visiting the Bow Bridge of the Big Wood River:
The public can access the Bow Bridge from the west side of the Hailey Greenway through Lions Park. From Hwy 75 in downtown Hailey, turn west onto Bullion St.; as soon as you pass over Bullion Bridge and the Big Wood River, turn south (left) to enter Lions Park; continue south beyond the softball fields where you will see a pavilion. From the pavilion there are two trails: one that heads south and leads directly to the Bow Bridge; one that heads east, over the Croy Creek Boardwalk and connecting with the bridge.
To reach the Bow Bridge from the east side of the river, follow trails north along the river through WRLT's Draper Wood River Preserve, located in Hailey's China-Gardens neighborhood. From downtown Hailey, continue south on Main Street; turn right on Elm Street, turn left on Aspen Drive to the preserve's parking area and entrance.
Restoration & Education Goals:
The bridge connects to WRLT's Draper Wood River Preserve and across the river to the restored Croy Creek wetland and boardwalk. An ideal, close-to-home area to recreate and view wildlife. |
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| Watershed: Big Wood River |
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Made possible by:
Blaine County, Idaho
City of Hailey, Idaho
Howadesign
Clemens Associates, Inc.
Galena Engineering, Inc.
Burbank Designs
K&M Construction, Inc.
Western Wood Structures, Inc.
Bouiss and Associates
Rocky Mountain Hardware
Whitehead's Landscaping
Taylor Made Woodworks |
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| Acreage Protected: |
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| Public Access: Yes |
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fishing access |
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wildlife viewing |
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stream, river or pond water |
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walking trails |
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scenic vistas |
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picnic area |
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shade |
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