Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Bellevue explores plan for new public trails

BLM trails could connect Slaughterhouse and Quigley canyons


By TONY EVANS
Express Staff Writer

A plan put forth by the BLM could develop trails to link Quigley Canyon near Hailey, above, with the north side of Bellevue. Photo by Mountain Express

Bellevue officials are working with Bureau of Land Management staff to get access to miles of proposed trails connecting to Slaughterhouse Canyon east of town.

Some of the proposed trails could one day connect Bellevue with Quigley Canyon near Hailey and the high country surrounding the city, but will require easements or land purchases to cross city and private property.

John Kurtz, outdoor recreation planner for the BLM's Shoshone Field Office, presented a map to the Bellevue City Council Thursday of possible motorized and non-motorized trails that could be developed around Slaughterhouse Canyon, including a trail that could encircle the canyon just above the valley floor.

Kurtz said he is working on the BLM's North Highway 20 Travel Management Plan, gathering public input on proposed trails from Craters of the Moon to Hill City near Fairfield.

He said even existing trails in the area need to be authorized.

"The majority of people are trespassing on private property to get to BLM land, whether they know it or not," Kurtz said.

Kurtz and city officials have identified two triangles of BLM land that intersect with the valley floor, providing potential access. One triangle is on the north side, surrounded by land designated for a planned city park. The other is on the south and sits within developer Jeff Pfaeffle's planned Strahorn subdivision.

Another 20-foot wide strip of BLM land cuts across the canyon further to the east, adjacent to a 61-acre parcel of city-owned open space.

The City Council asked Kurtz to explore the option of using the eastern strip of BLM land, in conjunction with city land, to develop a trailhead with parking, an outhouse and information kiosk.

"I think it is a great idea to have more trail access early and late in the season, instead of driving 20 minutes north to go for a hike," said Mayor Chris Koch.

Kurtz said in an interview that he plans to stake the area at the eastern end of the canyon within the next two weeks for council review.

Kurtz said a draft of the North Highway 20 Travel Management Plan will be complete by November.

"Once this is complete, the next step is to analyze the effects of each alternative. Hopefully, this will be complete by February," Kurtz said.

"In March we can provide a draft environmental assessment for the public to review and provide comments," he said.

Tony Evans: tevans@mtexpress.com




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