Recreation amenities and forest health could take center stage in the Grandjean area of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
The SNRA is seeking public feedback on its plans to amend recreation management strategies in the area, which is along the South Fork of the Payette River in the northwest portion of the 756,000-acre recreation area.
"This valley continues to see increasing use," said SNRA Special Uses Administrator Dave Fluetsch. "As a result, the area is experiencing impacts to the natural vegetation, soil and water."
The goals identified in a draft Grandjean Recreation Complex and Forest Health Management Plan is to allow for current levels of use to continue, provide for restoration of forests and meadows in several heavily used areas, and address future potential impacts by improving existing use patterns.
Developed recreation opportunities, dispersed recreation opportunities, resort activities and forest health are cited in the draft as the four key areas for focus.
The plan proposes to curb stands of Douglas fir and lodgepole pine trees that are threatening the predominant ponderosa pine forest in the area. The encroachment is creating a higher-than-average wildfire risk to facilities in the area, Fluetsch said.
Changes to recreation amenities could include construction of parking and a trail to access the Sacagawea Hot Springs, reclamation and official designation of some user-created roads and closing of a dispersed camping area located in a meadow.
An outfitter and guide operation might be relocated. The road along Grandjean Creek could be improved. Permitting for a new lodge and firehouse may become part of the process as well.
According to the managers of Sawtooth Lodge, a historic Forest Service ranger cabin that was converted in the 1920s to a resort, the changes in general sound acceptable.
"I have a lot of mixed feelings about it," said Linda Lockett.
Lockett said she wonders who will pay for the improvements.
"Overall, something definitely needs to be done in this valley, but I don't want to see a whole lot of changes," she said. "I don't want them to come in and redo everything. I want them to keep it pretty much the way it is, with a few minor adjustments."
Linda Lockett's son, Richard, said the Forest Service's intentions for the area have been vague.
"They've never really explained what they're trying to do," he said.
But the Locketts made those comments a few weeks before the SNRA issued its draft document. According to managers, public input is important.
"The proposal we are putting forward will protect valued resources, restore habitat and continue to provide quality recreational opportunities for forest visitors," said SNRA Area Ranger Sara Baldwin. "It is important that people who know and use this area provide us with their suggestions and comments during the scoping period."
The scoping period, which is running for 45 days, opened July 6. An environmental assessment, probably to be issued early in 2006, will probably result, Baldwin said.
To get involved
To comment on the SNRA's proposed recreation management changes in the Grandjean area, send comments in writing to:
Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Attn: Sara Baldwin, Area Ranger, 5 North Fork Canyon Road, Ketchum, ID 83340.
Comments can also be faxed to (208) 727-5029 or e-mailed to comments-intermtn-sawtooth-nra@fs.fed.us.
Copies of the draft plan are available by contacting the SNRA headquarters office north of Ketchum, the Stanley Ranger Station, or by logging on to www.fs.fed.us/r4/sawtooth/.
