Plans for a nature preserve on Warm Springs Ranch near Ketchum now include a nature center that would offer year-round recreational and educational activities.
The Ketchum-based Environmental Resource Center would administer the facility, planned for the 34-acre preserve that is part of the proposed Warm Springs Ranch redevelopment project, the developers announced June 30 in a news release.
The Warm Springs project is currently under consideration by the Ketchum City Council, which is hosting two public hearings this week on the matter.
The Ketchum Planning & Zoning Commission in May unanimously recommended approval of owner Sun Valley Ventures' plan to annex the 77-acre site into the city and to redevelop parts of it with a boutique hotel, spa, restaurant and condominiums.
As part of the proposal, Sun Valley Ventures offered to donate to the Wood River Land Trust 34.25 acres for a nature preserve.
The Warm Springs Ranch Nature Center is now part of the plan. Proposed outdoor options are picnic areas, self-guided nature walks and wildlife viewing areas. Indoors, the facility would be the site for lectures, films, nature classes and children's activities.
"The nature center brings a new level of environmental outreach and education to the Wood River Valley," Craig Barry, ERC executive director, said in the release. "It meets the community's and the developer's vision that people enjoy and learn about the natural beauty of this area while ensuring it is protected for generations to come."
Project manager Henry Dean said plans to incorporate outreach programs into the nature preserve were part of the discussion early on, but they have now been formalized.
"We have signed agreements with the ERC and the Wood River Land Trust," he said. "It's all in place, but of course it's all subject to the approval of the City Council."
The ERC is in a good position to conduct the programs, Dean said.
"I believe they are the most qualified, and they have an ongoing relationship with the Land Trust," he said.
Sun Valley Ventures would construct the facility, which will incorporate two historic cabins from the now-defunct Ski View lodge in Ketchum, Dean said.
The ERC will apply for matching funds in order to staff, equip and administer the center.
Two public meetings set
The public has two opportunities this week to comment on the Warm Springs Ranch development.
A special Ketchum City Council meeting Wednesday, July 6, at noon on development impact fees will be followed by a site visit to Warm Springs Ranch.
A public hearing on the Warm Springs Ranch project will be held at the American Legion Hall at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7.
