News Release

For Release: January 9, 2009  
Contact: Joanna Wilson (208) 524-7550

BLM Seeks Input on Applications for Grants to Improve Recreation Sites

SOUTHEAST IDAHO — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking suggestions and comments on three proposed recreation projects in the Challis and Upper Snake areas as it finalizes applications for funding from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. 

With recreational use of public lands steadily increasing in southeast Idaho and across the nation and the cost of building materials  continually on the rise, the BLM is increasingly turning to alternative funding sources, including state park grants, to complement  its own construction and deferred maintenance programs.   

The following proposed projects are listed by Field Office:

Challis Field Office (Contact: Jeff Christenson, (208) 879-6200 or Jeff_Christenson@blm.gov)
1. Waterways Improvement Fund grant for the construction of a restroom for the boat trailer parking area at the BLM Bayhorse Campground.  The site is located approximately eight miles southwest of Challis on the Salmon River near the mouth of Bayhorse Creek.

Upper Snake Field Office (Contact: Shannon Bassista or Bill Boggs, (208) 524-7500 or Shannon_Bassista@blm.gov or William_Boggs@blm.gov)
1. Electric hook-ups at 20 sites at Egin Lakes Access Recreation Site (Egin)
2. Continued paving of the large day use area at Egin

Please send suggestions and comments concerning these proposals by contacting the appropriate BLM Recreation Planner listed above or visit the Idaho BLM website http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en.1.html and click the field office of your choice within the map on the right hand side.  Suggestions and comments should be submitted to the BLM by January 20, 2009 to allow for consideration before the grant applications are submitted.

—BLM—