BLM, Forest Service issue new rules to improve South Fork recreation
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IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management Upper Snake Field Office and the U.S. Forest Service Palisades Ranger District signed a decision recently outlining new management strategies for recreation use on the Snake River (South Fork, Henry’s Fork and Main Snake) and Teton River Canyon. The decision relates specifically to new rules for special recreation permits for outfitted and non-outfitted commercial uses, competitive and organized group activities, and implementation of a reservation system for designated camping. The new rules align with the Idaho Outfitter and Guide Licensing Board rules approved in 2016.
This decision will further the economic benefits associated with the Snake River corridor in eastern Idaho by providing world-class recreational opportunities for the American people. Fishing, boating and other river recreation activities yield an annual economic value of $31.8 million along the Snake River corridor in southeastern Idaho, and bring $40.9 million in local community income in the form of jobs and consumer spending.
The BLM and the Forest Service used extensive public input to devise the final plan. The main changes include:
- Clarifying state license rules with federal permit stipulations (commercial outfitting and guiding only)
- Limiting special recreation permits to reduce impacts on fishing during the salmon fly hatch and other busy times of year to address public concerns over future growth and river access
- Requiring groups larger than 15 to obtain a permit from July 1 through Labor Day
- Implementing a reservation system for designated camping between Conant Boat Access and Byington Boat Access July 1 through Labor Day to address public concerns about adequate and well-maintained camping in the canyon
According to Jeremy Casterson, BLM Upper Snake Field Manager, the BLM and the Forest Service are still determining how to implement some of the minor changes associated with this new decision, and the public will likely not see any changes in the 2018 season.
In 2009 the Upper Snake Field Office and Palisades Ranger District launched a comprehensive review of the river management system along the Snake River Planning Area and Teton River Canyon due to changes in land use, population growth and increased recreational use. The BLM partnered with the University of Idaho to draft documents, hold public meetings and gather public input on how the public would like to see recreation managed. After several years of analysis and coordination with the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, a final decision is now available.
Information about the capacity study results and access to the documents are available online at https://go.usa.gov/xnpPN. For more information, please contact the Upper Snake Field Office at 208-524-7500 or Palisades Ranger District at 208-523-1412.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.