The Bureau of Land Management increases access, recreation opportunities in southern Idaho
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Boise, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management Four Rivers Field Office announced today that the agency has acquired 560 acres in the northwest Boise foothills to enhance public access to open space and recreation opportunities. The BLM purchased the land— known as the Healy Toll Road parcel—from the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley using money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. The acquisition will secure public access in perpetuity to the parcel and open approximately 3,040 acres of adjacent BLM-managed public lands that previously lacked formal legal access.
“The Trump Administration has continued to prioritize and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for the American people,” said BLM Deputy Director for Programs and Policy William Perry Pendley. “This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to expanding these opportunities as well as access to public lands.”
The Healy Toll Road parcel lies 10 miles north of Boise. The parcel and surrounding BLM-managed public lands are popular destinations for outdoor recreation, including hunting, mountain biking and hiking. In addition to expanding public access for outdoor recreation opportunities, acquisition of the Healy Toll Road parcel will help conserve wildlife habitat.
Acquisition of the Healy Toll Road parcel is a result of a collaboration between the BLM and the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley.
“This acquisition is an important step in conserving open space in the northwestern foothills. The parcel is prime habitat for wintering elk and mule deer, provides ample recreation and sportsman opportunities, and has historic value,” said Eric Grace, Executive Director of Land Trust of the Treasure Valley. “The acquisition is a prime example of how the Land Trust and the BLM can partner to provide public access and preserve habitat.”
“The Boise District appreciates the support of the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley in securing this key parcel for public access and important wildlife habitat,” said Tanya Thrift, Boise District Manager. “Completion of this acquisition will ensure the public not only has access to a range of recreational opportunities on the Healy Toll Road parcel but to all of the adjacent BLM lands as well.”
Video featuring BLM and Land Trust of the Treasure Valley discussing the value of this land: https://youtu.be/P0UHLxFq0TE
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.