Displaying items by tag: Hunting and Fishing

History

Nestled within the picturesque landscape of the Wood River Valley, Colorado Gulch Preserve boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the region's pioneer roots. Once a part of the Justice Dairy, this land bears witness to the toil and dedication of founding pioneer families who cherished it for generations. The Hop House, now a charming remnant of the dairy, stands as a testament to a bygone era.

Throughout its history, Colorado Gulch Preserve has been the subject of captivating stories and pivotal moments. Previous owners once considered subdividing this hallowed ground, sparking a movement to preserve its natural beauty and heritage. Leading the charge of conservation was the Wood River Land Trust.

Thanks to the support of our community, what originally started as a small conservation easement has now become one of the most celebrated protected areas along the Big Wood River, and serves as one of the most important components of the Hailey Greenway. In 2018, the Colorado Gulch Preserve was expanded by nine acres thanks to the generosity of a silent donor and big fan of the Land Trust. This preserve is well-regarded as a community treasure, and rightfully so. With a multi-use trail system, protected river corridor, habitat for wildlife, and multiple ongoing restoration projects, this area has plenty to offer everyone in the Valley.

Today, Colorado Gulch Preserve stands as a great example of a successful city partnership. Thanks to the commitment of the Wood River Land Trust and the unwavering dedication of local residents, this slice of history remains an oasis of natural beauty, accessible to all who wish to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the Wood River Valley's past and present.

Partners: Landowners, Dr. Grant & Sheri Stevens

Accessibility:

Wood River Land Trust endeavors to create Universal Access trails throughout all public access preserves. Universal Access is defined as a stone aggregate trail that complies with the Outdoor Guidelines:

• Tread Surface: Clear, firm and stable with a minimum width of 36”  
• Tread Obstacles: 2” high maximum 
• Cross Slope: 5% maximum 
• Running Grade must meet one or more of the following:
  • 5% or less for any distance 
  • Up to 8.33% for 200’ maximum 
  • Up to 10% for 30’ maximum 
  • Up to 12.5% for 10’ maximum 
  • For all running grades above 5%, a resting interval must be provided at both ends of the grade. Resting intervals and passing spaces may overlap 
  • No more than 30% of the total trail length may exceed a running grade of 8.33% 
•  Passing Spaces: 60” width, provided at least every 1000’ where trail width is less than 60” wide, with a maximum 5% cross slope 
• Signage must provide the following: 
  • Length of the trail or trail segment
  •  Surface type  
  • Typical and minimum tread width 
  • Typical and maximum running grade 
  • Typical and maximum cross slope  

At Colorado Gulch Preserve, the trails will be universal access by mid-October 2023. Progress is also being made on ADA parking, the current parking lot is currently flat, crushed rock.Note: While Wood River Land Trust endeavors to upgrade the majority of existing trails to Universal Access status, not every trail is able to be converted because they are in the floodplain and if they were upgraded to Universal Access status, angular rock would be washed into the river during Spring flooding every year which is not ideal for the health of the river.

Step into the embrace of the Draper Wood River Preserve, a true gem woven into the fabric of Hailey and the heart of the valley. This isn't just a piece of land; it's a testament to the unwavering connection between people and nature. With every footstep, you're walking on a landscape that embodies the soul of Hailey, a place cherished by both locals and visitors alike. Spanning 124.41 acres, the Preserve's story is one of dedication, spanning over six years and three acquisitions, resulting in the protection of half a mile of the Big Wood River. It's a narrative that speaks volumes about the power of collective commitment to safeguarding the land we love.

What sets this place apart is the intimacy it shares with the community. Here, people experience a bond with the land that usually only blooms through private property ownership. It's a remarkable bond that inspires volunteers to shovel snow off the boardwalk in winter, a small act of love that echoes the profound connection between people and this cherished sanctuary. More than just a patch of nature, the Draper Wood River Preserve is a thriving hub of community life. This haven isn't cordoned off; it's an open invitation to come together, to explore, to learn, and to immerse ourselves in the natural world. Educational excursions find a home here, and research opportunities flourish amidst these serene landscapes.

For those seeking solace, a leisurely walk, or a joyful romp with their four-legged companions, this preserve holds a special place. It's a favorite spot where memories are made, where stories unfold, and where the unity of community and nature paints a heartwarming picture.

So come, experience the magic that is Draper Wood River Preserve. Here, community and nature entwine, and every footstep is a testament to the deep-rooted bond that transforms land into a treasured legacy.

Accessibility:

Wood River Land Trust endeavors to create Universal Access trails throughout all public access preserves. Universal Access is defined as a stone aggregate trail that complies with the Outdoor Guidelines:

• Tread Surface: Clear, firm and stable with a minimum width of 36”  
• Tread Obstacles: 2” high maximum 
• Cross Slope: 5% maximum 
• Running Grade must meet one or more of the following:
  • 5% or less for any distance 
  • Up to 8.33% for 200’ maximum 
  • Up to 10% for 30’ maximum 
  • Up to 12.5% for 10’ maximum 
  • For all running grades above 5%, a resting interval must be provided at both ends of the grade. Resting intervals and passing spaces may overlap 
  • No more than 30% of the total trail length may exceed a running grade of 8.33% 
•  Passing Spaces: 60” width, provided at least every 1000’ where trail width is less than 60” wide, with a maximum 5% cross slope 
• Signage must provide the following: 
  • Length of the trail or trail segment
  •  Surface type  
  • Typical and minimum tread width 
  • Typical and maximum running grade 
  • Typical and maximum cross slope  

At Draper Wood River Preserve, there is one ADA parking space by Lion's Park. The trail from the parking lot to the boardwalk is flat, crushed rock.Note: While Wood River Land Trust endeavors to upgrade the majority of existing trails to Universal Access status, not every trail is able to be converted because they are in the floodplain and if they were upgraded to Universal Access status, angular rock would be washed into the river during Spring flooding every year which is not ideal for the health of the river.

This preserve has a passport!

Established in 2015 to protect salmon habitat, wetlands, and the scenic views of the stunning Sawtooth Valley, the 34-acre Valley Creek Preserve in Stanley is a perfect example of how our organization has worked to protect critical resources not just in the Wood River Valley – but throughout Central Idaho. We proudly share management responsibilities for the Preserve with the city of Stanley.

A major tributary to the Salmon River, Valley Creek has historically provided spawning habitat for Chinook and sockeye salmon, steelhead, bull and westslope cutthroat trout, and other native fish species. The Preserve also provides a wild oasis for all residents, human and wild, as it meanders through downtown Stanley.

Click Here to Download the Valley Creek Management Plan

Porcupine Creek Preserve is part of a Pioneer Mountains migration corridor used by elk and mule deer to travel between higher-elevation Forest Service lands and lower-elevation Bureau of Land Management and private properties. The Preserve’s habitat also supports beavers, black bears, migratory songbirds, moose, Wood River sculpin and several species of grouse.

Protection of the property now provides connectivity with neighboring BLM lands, which have been designated as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern to protect sensitive wildlife resources.

The Independence Creek Preserve provides public access to Bureau of Land Management land via a ridgeline trail, while also buffering public lands from the adjacent Independence Creek subdivision.

With upland slopes and a free flowing creek, a mixed habitat is provided for a variety of plant and wildlife species.

Through a partnership with the Howard family, the City of Bellevue, and the Friends of the Howard Preserve, Wood River Land Trust protected 12.5 acres of Big Wood River floodplain in very close proximity to the City of Bellevue. The Howard family had owned the property since 1972, and with the desire to protect the property for the long-term as their focus, the partners worked together to secure grant funding and a conservation easement, which now protects the property in perpetuity.

Opportunities to increase the size of an urban preserve are rare, so the Land Trust was pleased to have the chance to do so in 2012 with a 1.38-acre land acquisition at the southern end of the Preserve.At just over an acre in size, the Preserve extension provides protection for additional Big Wood River floodplain.

The Howard Preserve continues to be a place that blends wildlife values, safe public access to the Big Wood River, and opportunities for education and community involvement with the land.

This preserve has a passport!

Providing a stunning backdrop to Bellevue, Cow Catcher Ridge Preserve buffers development along Highway 75 from the vast expanse of BLM to the east. The scenic ridge is dominated by rock outcroppings and sagebrush-steppe communities, including several varieties of sagebrush and various native grasses.

This setting provides excellent habitat for many species of songbirds, game birds, deer, and elk, and incredible views of the Wood River Valley for those who make the effort to venture to the top.

About the Cowcatcher Ridge Trail

DISTANCE: 1.7 miles one way; 3.4 miles round trip

DIFFICULTY: Difficult - This trail gains over 1,500 feet in 1.7 miles

TRAIL SURFACE: Loose rock, uneven surfaces, packed dirt

ABOUT THE HIKE: Please contact the Wood River Land Trust office for hike details.

Located along Highway 75 just north of East Fork, Boxcar Bend Preserve got its name from the boxcars placed in the Big Wood River in 1952 by Union Pacific Railroad. The purpose was to prevent the accelerated erosion that was threatening the ground beneath the railroad tracks, but the attempt ultimately failed. Decades later, the community and various stakeholders came together to restore this section of river. Now this beautiful respite has become one of the most popular fishing access points in the Wood River Valley.

Thanks to the Land Trust’s continued restoration efforts and management, Boxcar Bend Preserve is  safely enjoyed by hikers, bicyclists, and fishing and wildlife enthusiasts.

Acquired through the Rinker family’s generosity in 2014, Rinker Rock Creek Ranch is a valuable asset for the community, providing close-to-home recreation and important wildlife habitat. In 2019, the Ranch was transferred to the University of Idaho to become a center for research on the intersection of ranching, habitat protection and restoration, and recreation.

The Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy serve on an Advisory Board with other industry and agency stakeholders to help guide management of the Ranch.

Learn more about this unique property through this local media piece!