News

Boise National Forest proposes fee increases

The Boise National Forest is seeking public comments on increased fees for campgrounds, rental cabins and day use areas.There are 18 sites on the Cascade Ranger District that would see new or increased fees and 64 total sites across the Boise Forest.Fees in most campgrounds would increase by $5 to $10, while fees for cabins would increase by up to $80.The proposed fees are needed to maintain, repair, improve and expand the increasingly popular recreation sites, according to the Forest Service.Fees would be used to add campsites, expand spurs to accommodate modern-sized camp trailers, and install toilets and picnic tables that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.If approved, the fees would go into effect in 2025.“The forest has seen a substantial increase in recreational use as the area’s population has grown and with that, the need for upkeep and improving our developed recreation sites,” said Boise Forest Supervisor Brant Petersen.“It’s been 26 years since we last increased fees on our campgrounds and rental cabins,” Petersen said.For a complete list of proposed fee changes, visit www.fs.usda.gov/boise and select “News & Events” in the “about us” menu.If the fees are adopted, about 70% of the Boise Forest’s developed recreation sites would continue to not charge a fee, Petersen said.Comments can be made through Sept.

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MacGregor Township passes county commissioners in split vote

The 341-lot MacGregor Township development was approved by Valley County Commissioners on Monday in a split vote of two to one.Commissioners Sherry Maupin and Neal Thompson voted to approve the planned unit development (PUD), with Commission Chair Elt Hasbrouck dissenting.“After careful review of our county ordinances and the comprehensive plan, I found they met the requirements for a PUD.

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Cascade to expand sewer capacity

The City of Cascade will spend about $465,000 to expand sewer capacity to accommodate an additional 200 homes.The city council recently approved the purchase and installation of equipment to aerate the city’s sewer lagoons, which are located to the southeast of Kelly’s Whitewater Park along the North Fork of the Payette River.Aeration cycles air through wastewater to expedite the breakdown of sewage.

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Ponderosa Park develops Kokanee Cove

The first stages of construction are underway on a new public beach access, up to six rental cabins and an event center at Kokanee Cove in Ponderosa State Park.Plans also include pathways, extensive landscaping, restrooms, parking spaces and a new access road.The site to the south of the public boat launch in Ponderosa Park was purchased from the Nazarene Church in the early 2000s.

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