The McCall and New Meadows Ranger Districts on the Payette National Forest will apply for multiple state recreation grants to support trail and campground projects, as well as winter recreation opportunities.  These grants are made available annually by the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation to government entities for the provision of equipment, and the creation and renovation of outdoor recreational facilities.

Trails
The Forest is submitting two grant proposals for trails work.  The first will be to cover the second phase of rerouting the Jackson Creek Trail, located off the Warren Wagon Road near McCall.  The proposal calls for rerouting the trail out of wetland areas, and for continuing general enhancements of the trail.

The second grant proposal is to fund replacement of the Jenkins Crossing Bridge, located on the Jackson Creek Trail.  The funding will cover the purchase of a prefabricated bridge, as well as costs associated with the bridge installation.

Recreation
A grant proposal for making improvements to the McCall DistrictÂ’s Lake Fork Campground is being submitted.  The campgroundÂ’s current restroom facilities are in need of full replacement.  The grant proposal is to fund the cost of two American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible concrete restrooms, as well as other enhancements to the campground such as a new entrance information kiosk, campsite markers and parking barriers.

The McCall Ranger District is submitting a grant proposal to fund the purchase of equipment to be used by volunteer campground hosts who provide services to the many campsites frequented by Forest visitors.  Funds are also being requested to purchase pressure washers to facilitate the cleaning of restrooms, and other facilities at recreation sites.

Winter Recreation
The final grant proposal is for the ongoing Over-Snow-Vehicle-Education Project.  Funds requested by the district will support the work of seasonal employees who provide assistance to Forest visitors that are snowmobiling on the Forest, or taking advantage of other winter recreation opportunities.  These employees provide safety information to the public, as well as assist in maintaining winter travel routes and associated signage.

For more information, please contact Susan Jenkins at the McCall Ranger District at 208-634-0415.