Hailey, Land Trust Aim to Increase Public Access Along River

HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — Officials in the central Idaho city of Hailey have voted to accept conservation easements that will nearly double the length of public access west of town along the Big Wood River.

The Idaho Mountain Express reports that the Hailey City Council voted unanimously Monday to accept 153 acres of conservation easements held by the Wood River Land Trust. The Land Trust plans to raise about $500,000 to buy the property.

Land Trust Director of Conservation Keri York says the trust is required by law to transfer the easements to the city or some other entity before purchasing the property.

If the plan goes through, it would create a nearly continuous series of nature trails between the Bullion Bridge and Colorado Gulch Bridge.