Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Winter 2011
A view from Croy Creek Road overlooking Croy Creek, the wetlands, and the cottonwood-dominated riparian forest that thrives near the Big Wood River. The Boardwalk is near the end of the rainbow. Larry Barnes took this stunning photo.
he Wood River Land Trust is combining restoration and recreation improvements into one comprehensive project with construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Big Wood River on our Draper Wood River Preserve in Hailey. The project was approved by the County Commissioners on September 13, and will be completed in early fall of 2012. Construction of the bridge will be by Western Wood Structures of Oregon, and local engineering support is by Galena Engineers.
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Restoration work has begun at the bridge site along the Big Wood River, and 600 cubic yards of old city dump fill were removed
Near the Croy Creek Wetlands Boardwalk, the welcome pavilion, and the Lions Park ballfield, the pedestrian bridge will create a destination spot for wood river residents and visitors alike.
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In the coming year we will expand our continuing efforts to bring the many glories of this valley to each and every person with projects such as: Enhancing the Croy Creek wetlands experience. Installing the Pedestrian Bridge to link both sides of the river in the Big Wood River Greenway and bring residents to the river for exploration and enjoyment. Cooperating on projects like the Below Magic Dam re-watering effort that will dramatically add to the valleys productive fishery and also be a benefit to our partners, the irrigators of the southern valley.
The Land Trust is uniquely qualified to bring projects like these to fruition. We have accomplished a lot in traditional open space conservation, but innovative projects like these will make a big difference in the future and be relevant to the next generation who will inherit our efforts. I could only dream about what good things were to come when I interviewed on that fateful day 15 years ago. From where I sit today I see a bright future for the valleys treasured wildlife and open spaces and the well-being of its population. The importance of the Land Trust to this future is undeniable. My gratitude for the Board, staff and members of the Land Trust who make my job the best in the world. m
fter an extensive nationwide search, the Wood River Land Trust hired Daphne Muehle as Director of Development. She began working with us in September, 2011, and is responsible for all fundraising and development activities. She has been involved in non-profit marketing and development for almost 20 years. Prior to coming to the Land Trust, Daphne served for 12 years at Peninsula Open Space Trust, located in Palo Alto, California, where she held a variety of positions, including Director of Major Gifts and Director of Development. She began her fundraising career at her alma mater, Long Beach State University, working in the Athletic Department. Daphne had a swimming scholarship and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in History. She has an especially strong interest in development work in the field of land conservation. Connecting donors with extraordinary places that deserve protectionby hiking meandering trails, canoeing alpine lakes, or driving scenic bywaysis a rich and rewarding experience for me, she explains. The landscape of Kootenay Lake in British Columbia, where she grew up, instilled in her a love of the natural world. It was a family tradition to hike to the top of a mountain each year, she says, following my dads short cut. We laugh about those supposed short cuts to this day. The outdoors brought my family together and provided a place for us to escape and be happy. It still does. Daphne invites you to stop by the office and meet her -- if she is not out with her walking buddy, her dog Cooper, on their daily stroll. m
community
Board Profile
Robin Garwood
obin is a Wildlife Biologist and has been working for the Sawtooth National Forest for 20 years. She has a B.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the University of Tennessee and an M.S. in Raptor Biology from Boise State University. Besides her association with the Forest Service, she has also worked for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Bureau of Land Management. She particularly enjoys the climate and varied habitats of the Wood River Valley and central Idaho. Robin finds that working in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area is challenging. The issues are so diverse, and managing lands for multiple uses requires a wide range of knowledge about wildlife, land and water, and conservation priorities. She was elected to the Board of Directors in 2001 and has been Secretary since 2005. Knowledge of species habitat needs and experience with public natural resources management have made her realize that conservation of habitats requires more than just protecting public lands. The Board counts on her to provide solid scientific comment on projects that are presented. As important as public land is to conservation, Robin notes, protecting the ecological integrity of private lands is equally vital in ensuring the sustainability of species, their habitats, and the ecological processes that all life depends on. The Wood River Land Trust is the ideal organization to help with this part of the equation. And we are grateful for Robins years of support, expertise, and her passion for protecting our wildlife. m
The Ridgeline Trail is a 10-mile trail running along the ridge between Fox Peak and the Baker Lake trailhead
loria Moore Osberg was honored July 2, 2011, at a trail dedication by the Wood River Land Trust, Idaho Conservation League, and Ketchum Ranger District. It was a beautiful day and a memorable occasion at the Osbergs Newman Creek Cabin. Glorias contributions to conservation and a shared appreciation of our surrounding landscapes have been a lifelong commitment. Her invaluable book, Day Hiking Near Sun Valley, is a staple in homes around the Wood River Valley. To commemorate her contributions, Forest Service Trail #147, the Ridgeline Trail, has been dedicated to Gloria. The Ridgeline Trail is a 10-mile trail running along the ridge between Fox Peak and the Baker Lake trailhead. Unfortunately, the trail is in poor condition in places and will require significant work to repair erosion damage. At the time of the dedication we needed to raise $36,320 as the rest of the $150,000 needed is being covered by Forest Service grant awards. As of November 18, 2011, we need $20,990 in order to reach our goal. Please help us in celebrating Glorias contributions to the valley by giving a gift in her honor. m
what we do
Conceptual rendering of the pedestrian bridge by Lars Guy, Pro Visualization, Inc.
The bridge will provide a link to the many recreation opportunities on the east and west sides of the river. It will be much more than a recreational amenity. Its location offers an educational component as an outdoor classroom as well. For five years, Larry Barnes, biology teacher at the high school, has conducted an ornithology class at the Croy Creek Wetlands on both sides of the river. The bridge will enable the students to spend more time in the field and less time traveling, and engage them in a closer appreciation of the river habitat. In combination with other amenities nearby such as the Croy Creek Wetlands Boardwalk, the welcome pavilion, and the Lions Park ballfield the bridge will create a destination spot for residents and visitors alike. Restoration Continues The Land Trusts Croy Creek Wetlands Restoration Project first phase was started in 2008 and completed in 2009. Tons of harmful debris (car parts, appliances, cement) from an old city dump were removed, and the area was restored
with native plants. When we were plotting the location of the bridge, we realized the unfinished second phase of the cleanup could be completed in coordination with installation of the bridge. Six hundred cubic yards of dump fill were removed, and the amazing array of junk and trash was sifted out, with the result that just 1/10th of the excavated debris went to the landfill. What remains is topsoil to be used at another time and cobble, which was used at the bridge abutment sites. Non-native trees were removed as well, to allow native riparian trees like cottonwoods to recover territory lost to species like box elders that arent deterred by life in a field of junk. Weeds such as burdock and thistle, too, came out when the ground was excavated. For your safety, access to the area is temporarily limited. We apologize for the disruption. But in a couple years the area will be restored and a healthy riparian ecosystem established. Thank you for your patience. Please call us if you have questions or comments, 788-3947. m
he Boardwalk was completed this summer, and we are eagerly anticipating a viewing telescope that will be placed near the benches. We look forward to adding more amenities that will make the Boardwalk experience even more fun and educational. By December 1st, a log pavilion to welcome visitors should be up, constructed by Sawtooth Wood Products at the entrance to the Boardwalk. Pavers supplied by Building Material Thrift Store were installed this summer for the floor of the pavilion by Evergreen Landscaping. This winter, interpretive signage will be mounted inside, as well as a picnic table or two in the coming spring. m
Eddy Svidgal, AIA, donated his time to provide us with an architectural rendering of the pavilion, with a moose for scale
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Above, house after restoration; Below, house photo from 1906
Picnickers at the best seat in the house. From left, Stan Barrett; Bellevue Public Works Admin. George Tanner; Sue Southward; Don Boecker; Gay Boecker; Bellevue Mayor Chris Koch; picnic sous chef Steve Carlisle; and Kim Mazik
The Building Material Thrift Store 3930 S. Woodside Blvd. in Hailey (208) 788-0014
www.buildingmaterialthriftstore.org
lizabeth Breen always emails us when she and her husband Frank are in town and asks if we need help with anything. And we always have something for her to do. She has helped with many newsletters and donor party preparations. We appreciate that Elizabeth pays us a visit and volunteers year after year. After retiring as a community college English teacher in Tacoma, Washington, she has been able to spend more time at their condo in Sun Valley. And once here, she doesnt just sit around in retirement. Elizabeth enjoys recreational activities and doesnt miss such events as the Writers Conference and Sun Valley Summer Symphony. Most of the local conservation organizations have also benefited from her volunteer hours. She remembers that when she began to help at the Land Trust, the small office was on West Bullion Street in Hailey next to a tattoo parlor. Scott Boettger and Dan Gilmore were the only employees. It is wonderful to see the growth of the Land Trust since then, the historic buildings theyve restored, and the number of people involved in the organization, she says. It has been instrumental in preserving so many beautiful areas throughout the Wood River Valley and Lost River area. She adds, The other conservation organizations all do good work, but the Wood River Land Trust gives me so much satisfaction because I can physically see its accomplishments. m
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generous donor has once again stepped forward and offered a Challenge Grant for Wood River Land Trust and our Board of Directors followed suit. If the Land Trust can raise $300,000 by December 31, 2011, our anonymous donor and our Board of Directors will each contribute $75,000 for a total of $150,000. This means every .50 cents of your donation, if given by December 31st, will be matched! As of November 4, 2011, we have raised $101,140. We need your help to raise the final $198,860 in order to qualify for the additional $150,000. Please give as generously as you can by December 31, 2011. The money you donate today will help the Land Trust protect and preserve our natural resources for people here now and future generations. By providing us with the capacity to take on exciting projects like restoring the Croy Creek Wetlands, we are able to make a difference in our community. Land conservation projects often take years to come to fruition. We need your annual support to help us save the places we love in the Wood River Valley and beyond. m
he Land Trust owes its success to the generosity of our donors. Thanks to our community of support, we are able to achieve visionary land protection goals. Knowing that we have your support, we can enter confidently into long-term negotiations for acquiring strategic properties for conservation. Annual donations are the foundation our work is built upon, making our day-to-day operations possible. By becoming an annual donor to the Land Trust, you help provide essential, ongoing support.
We Need Your Help Make your gift now and help create a lasting legacy of open space. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Donate cash either by mail or online: www.woodriverlandtrust.org; Donate appreciated securities; Have your company match your gift to the Land Trust; Join our monthly giving club; Make an IRA Rollover Gift; or Include the Land Trust in your estate plans.
If youd like more information about how to make a gift, please call Daphne Muehle, Director of Development, at 208-788-3947 or dmuehle@woodriverlandtrust.org. m
Gifts of up to $100,000from either traditional IRAs or Roth IRAsare excluded from your taxable income and can be used to satisfy your minimum distribution requirement for 2011. The transfer must be made directly from the IRA account to the Land Trust, and must be for an outright gift. There is no income tax deduction for the transferthe amount is simply not included in your income. We have two sample letters you are welcome to use for your gift. The first is a letter you can send to the company managing your IRA, giving instructions on how to make the distribution directly to the Land Trust. The second is a letter you can use to let us know your gift is on its way so we can properly acknowledge it. For more information, please contact Daphne Muehle, Director of Development, at (208) 788-3947 or dmuehle@woodriverlandtrust.org. m
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Below Magic Update
uilt in 1909, Magic Reservoir was designed to capture snow melt from the mountains of the Wood River Valley and store the water for farmland irrigation near Shoshone and Richfield. Magic Reservoir was instrumental in transforming the desert landscape of Southern Idaho and made agriculture possible. It truly was magic. Historically the purpose of the dam was solely for agricultural use but ultimately its existence led to a legacy of great fishing. The Big Wood River below the dam became a productive trophy tailwater fishery because of the clear, cold water spilling from Magic Reservoir. Unfortunately, when irrigation season is over, the water from the dam is shut off and annual survival of fish in that stretch of river is uncertain. The Land Trust and the Big Wood Canal Company (BWCC) have a vision that will benefit both agriculture and fishing interests and create a plan for water conservation. The project would save water for irrigation uses and provide year-round water in the old river channel to sustain healthy trout populations. This collaboration resulted in water flowing through this section of the Big Wood River below Magic Reservoir after irrigation season for the first time in 102 years. At the end of the 2011 irrigation season, the Land Trust and the Canal Company came to an agreement in which we would purchase 3,000 acre feet of stored water to conduct test flows in this off season. These test flows will be monitored by the Land Trust, BWCC, and Ecosystem Sciences Foundation (ESF) out of Boise. We hope to learn from these test flows in both the biological and mechanical aspects of the project. We also hope to see results of a more sustainable trout population and gain insight into the mechanics of operating a 100 year-old dam with relatively low flows. We are proud to continue our collaboration with BWCC and are eagerly anticipating the knowledge to be gained in the coming months. We would like to express our gratitude to the BWCC for their willingness to work together to find a solution that benefits all involved with this tailwater fishery enhancement project. We hope someday to see the Big Wood River below the dam flow year round, enhancing the fishery and providing critical riparian habitat in our southern desert. m
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Above: The Big Wood River below Magic Reservoir in Fall, 2011 Left: Steve Strandberg and his big brown caught in the river below Magic Reservoir
Top: Sage School senior Raleigh Grossbaum, left, and teacher Nathan Kolar with their harvest; Bottom: Sage School students, left to right: Colby Marsh, Bryce Gillespie, Alagna Ashurst, and Sarah Rau
Staff
Scott Boettger, Executive Director Melanie Dahl, Community Lands Coordinator Trey Spaulding, Director of Operations Daphne Muehle, Director of Development Ashley Wells, Development and Conservation Assistant Keri York, Senior Conservation Coordinator
Advisory Committee
Fred Brossy Ranney Draper Larry Schoen John Seiller Tom Swift Bruce Tidwell Liz Warrick
Bruce Tidwell, owner/manager of the Building Material Thrift Store, attended with his lovely daughter Madison, home for a visit from Goucher College
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n a beautiful October afternoon a whopping 50 pounds of Wyoming Big Sagebrush seed were collected by students from Community School, Sage School, and SUWS (School of Urban and Wilderness Survival), assisted by Wood River Land Trust and Idaho Fish and Game staff. Just over 50 volunteers collected seed at our Sheep Bridge Preserve on Highway 20. Ed Papenberg from Idaho Fish and Game instructed volunteers in the proper seeding techniques and stressed the importance of such projects for the future of our sagebrush steppe ecosystem. These grasses and shrubs provide food and cover for deer, elk, sage grouse and other wildlife, and stabilize the soil. These seeds will eventually be used to reseed and restore burned areas. Seeds are weighed and tagged with species of sagebrush, date, and harvesting location, and are then sent to the USDA Forest Service Lucky Peak Nursery in Boise. The seeds collected this October wont be planted until autumn of 2013. They must first be dried out, and put through a machine called a scalper to separate the seed from flowers, leaves, and sticks. Once the seeds are clean, they are sealed in plastic bags and placed in cold storage. The seeds are then ready to be sown and are grown with limited water and fertilizer. The newly sprouted sagebrush plants are then harvested, cold stored one more time, and are planted in the fall. Thanks to our volunteers for a successful afternoon. Theyll probably never look at sagebrush in the same way again. m
winter 2011
Crossing the Big Wood River, cover, 4 A Note from Scott Boettger, Executive Director, page 2 An Update: Gloria Moore Osberg Ridgeline Trail #147, page 3 Croy Creek Wetlands Boardwalk and Pavilion, page 5 Were On the List!, page 6 Help Us Qualify for a Challenge Grant and Leverage Your Gift Today, page 8 You Can Make a Difference, page 9 Below Magic Update, page 10 Why Collect Sagebrush Seed?, page 11
The Wood River Land Trust accepted the Old Chilly easement in December, 2008, which protects 355 acres of land on the Big Lost River 15 miles north of Mackay. Its name references the nearby ghost town of Chilly. Elk were bugling as the photo was taken in mid-October.
119 East Bullion Street Hailey, Idaho 83333 208 788-3947 www.woodriverlandtrust.org
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