BLM works to enhance visitor experiences, protect resources at Cove Recreation Site
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BOISE, ID – New rules at the Cove Recreation Site located along C.J. Strike Reservoir in Owyhee County that will improve public health and safety, protect resources and enhance visitor experiences will take effect on August 4, 2016.
Located within the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA), the BLM-managed site is popular for camping, fishing, hiking, boating, waterskiing and swimming, along with opportunities to picnic and view wildlife.
“Most visitors already follow the rules we’ve now posted at the site,” said NCA Manager Amanda Hoffman. “Formalizing them ensures we can continue to provide safe, high-quality recreation experiences for all visitors and protect plants, soils and visitor facilities as outlined in the management plan for the area.”
The rules address recreation activities and visitor use at the site’s 29-unit campground and day-use facilities, which have seen steadily increasing use in recent years as southwest Idaho’s population continues to grow. Signage at the site will detail the rules, which are also available on the BLM Idaho website.
Limiting camping to developed campsites and stipulating the maximum number of campers per site will prevent erosion and degradation of land surrounding the campground. Prohibiting the use of off-highway vehicles (OHVs) in the campground will help ensure the safety of visitors and prevent resource damage from unauthorized travel. Requiring removal of trash and other solid waste and restricting dumping of graywater and blackwater to approved areas ensures public health at the site, while designated quiet hours and limits on leaving vehicles and camping gear unattended for longer than 24 hours will enhance visitors’ enjoyment.
Hoffman noted that user fees – which must be paid immediately upon arrival at the campground – support maintenance, enhancement and protection of the site’s recreation facilities.
For further information, please visit the Cove Recreation Site page on the BLM website or call Larry Ridenhour at the BLM Boise District Office, (208) 384-3334.
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.