Doty reappointed to Ketchum P&Z
The Ketchum City Council has unanimously appointed Ketchum Planning and Zoning Commissioner Michael Doty to another three-year term on the commission.
“He takes his job very seriously,” said Mayor Randy Hall at a City Council meeting on Monday during which the reappointment was made. “He deserves another go-around, in my opinion.”
Doty has served on the commission since 2008. In an interview after the meeting, Doty said the work is time consuming, but important. He said the commission is currently in the process of updating the city’s comprehensive plan—its overarching guiding document—and has commenced work on updating its zoning ordinances.
“No time isn’t critical, but I think right now is a particularly interesting time,” he said. “I want to help move the city forward and have it continue to resonate with people.”
Doty said that there’s still an “authenticity” to Ketchum that he does not want the city to lose.
“It’s interesting to remain part of the process to help guide the city forward in a way to keep the things that make our area special that other areas might have lost through their growth,” he said.
Rental shop opens in Bellevue
The Hailey Chamber of Commerce will host a grand opening for Ryan’s Mountain Rentals, a new business in Bellevue, on Saturday, May 11.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1267 South Main St. in Bellevue. Ryan’s Mountain Rentals offers guided ATV trips and rentals.
The grand opening will feature hot dogs, beverages and raffles.
Weed Department receives grant
The Blaine County Weed Department has received a $1,000 grant from the Idaho Botanical Garden Lunaria Grant Program to create a lawn using species native to Idaho.
The lawn, located at 319 First Ave. South in Hailey, will serve as an example of how to landscape with native plants in order to avoid the use of invasive species and the danger they can have on native plants. The lawn will be done with a variety of low-water-usage plants, and will be certified by the Wood River Land Trust’s Trout Friendly Lawn Program. The work is anticipated to be completed in June.
The Blaine County Weed Department assists the public with identification and control methods for noxious weeds within Blaine County and works to protect the county and its property owners from the harmful impacts of noxious weeds. For help spotting them or fighting them, stop by the Weed Department at 219 First Ave. South, in the County Annex Building, or call 788-5516.
Firewood permits available soon
Firewood permits for most national forests in Idaho will go on sale beginning May 15, though permits on the Sawtooth National Forest will be delayed.
Permits are $12.50 per cord with a two-cord minimum and a 10-cord maximum per household. Permits will be available at Ranger District offices and private vendors in southwest Idaho.
On the Sawtooth National Forest, permits for the Ketchum Ranger District and Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) will be delayed until the end of May or beginning of June.
All motorized travel related to firewood gathering must be in full accordance with Forest Service travel regulations for the area as shown in the Motor Vehicle Use Map, unless specifically exempted in the firewood permit.
Once the snow melts, the public is encouraged to cut firewood early in the year because fire restrictions may impact the cutting season later in the summer. However, early-season wood cutters should be very careful with wet road conditions and avoid them if rutting or getting stuck is possible. Firewood cutting is not allowed within riparian areas (adjacent to creeks and rivers).
For additional information, contact the local Ranger District offices, or National Forest web sites. The Ketchum Ranger District office can be reached at 622-5371 and the SNRA at 727-5013.
June 8 is Free Fishing Day
Saturday, June 8 is Free Fishing Day. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is inviting veteran and novice anglers of all ages, residents and non-residents alike, to celebrate the day by fishing anywhere in Idaho without a license.
Though fishing license requirements are suspended for this special day, all other rules, such as limits or tackle restrictions, remain in effect.
For more information regarding Free Fishing Day, contact the Fish and Game McCall office (634-8137) or the Nampa office (465-8465).
