Sawtooth National Forest is looking for feedback

JEROME, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — The Sawtooth National Forest is requesting public feedback on grant proposals for projects from the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Through the sale of boating, recreation and off-road vehicle stickers, the State of Idaho can distribute funds through a grant application process. Agencies applying are required to provide matching funds or in-kind contributions.

“The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation grant programs help us enhance recreation opportunities for all forest user groups,” said Forest Supervisor Jake Strohmeyer. “Many of the improvements you see at popular recreation sites on the Sawtooth National Forest would not be possible without the State’s continued investment in public spaces.”

Fairfield Ranger District is looking to use the grants for the Big Peak Heavy Trail maintenance project through the Off-Road Motor Vehicle Fund and Recreation Trail Program Grants. These grants would allow trail maintenance, with the most occurring in the summer and fall with continuation into the fall hunting season. Contact Jennifer Stevens at Jennifer.stevens@usda.gov of 208-764-3471.

Ketchum Ranger District is seeking grants for the Fiscal Year 2026 Heavy Trail Maintenance project with the Recreation Trails Program Grant. It would help fund heavy trail maintenance including drainage work or other replacement of essential trail structures. Contact Justin Blackstead at justin.blackstead@usda.gov.

Minidoka Ranger District is looking for funding for three projects. The grant request requests the Off Road Motor Vehicle Fund Grant for the Third Fork Heavy Maintenance project. This includes heavy trail maintenance, work on the banks of the river, and adding signage for motorized trails. The second projects would be the Upper Penstemon Campground and the Thompson Flat Campground requesting the Recreational Vehicle Fund Grant. The Upper Penstemon Campground is looking to replace aging facilities and amenities. Updating the Thompson Flat Campground includes building new concrete toilets and adding new information kiosks. Contact Matthew Earl, Matthew.Earl@usda.gov, or Daniel Fischer, Daniel.Fischer@usda.gov.

The Sawtooth Nation Recreations Area encompasses several grant programs including the Waterways Improvement Fund, Off-Road Motor Vehicle, Motorized Trail Maintenance, Recreation Trails Program, Mountain Bike Plate fund and Recreational Vehicle Fund. Projects within the area include replacing the Sunbeam Stairs, maintaining Motorized and Nonmotorized trails and establishing the Redfish Lake Internal Trail.

For additional information about these projects or to submit comments, please reach out to the project contacts. To be most helpful, comments should be submitted by January 31, 2025.