Gem State Chapter Funds Cleanup to Improve Access
The Gem State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation is gearing up to support the Idaho Department of Fish and Game with a brush-clearing project to restore and improve access to a local fishing pond. Scheduled for July 20, the project will enhance the quality and accessibility of the site for outdoor enthusiasts.
Curt Creson, IDFG recreation site maintenance foreman, brought this project to the chapter's attention, requesting support from the NWTF to leverage the work planned to improve the site. The Gem State Chapter quickly mobilized to assist, contributing $2,000 toward the initiative.
Of this, $1,250 is allocated for new signage, which will be installed at the site where no signage previously existed. An additional $250 will go toward a placard showcasing the NWTF as a partner in this project. The remaining $500 is designated for renting a pull-behind chipper to assist volunteers in clearing the large brush and woody byproducts. The IDFG will also lend a truck to assist the cleanup crew in removing the brush from the forest.
The primary goal of this project is to restore access and improve the site's overall quality, making it more accessible for hunting and fishing. Previously, the site was heavily overgrown, limiting access to the fishing pond and the Snake River. Additionally, many trees posed a risk of falling, creating a hazardous environment.
The commitment from the Gem State Chapter to this cleanup project has enabled the IDFG to secure additional state funding. This funding enabled the use of heavy machinery to clear more brush and dead trees than initially planned, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the project. Future improvements at the fishing pond, such as stocking and water quality enhancements, are now also feasible.
In July, NWTF volunteers will play a crucial role in the final phase of this project. They will complete the cleanup work, significantly enhancing the site's accessibility and safety for the community, making a tangible difference in the lives of outdoor enthusiasts.
The Gem State Chapter invites all interested volunteers to join this impactful project. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Keegan Luchte, Gem State Chapter president, at keeganluchte@gmail.com.
Residents should also mark their calendars for Aug. 3, as the Gem State Chapter will be hosting a Youth Outdoor Skills and Shooting Event in Kuna, Idaho. Youth attending the event will have the opportunity to learn fly casting, knot tying, track identification, firearm safety, rimfire shooting and clay target shooting. For more information or to sign up, contact Tate Namle at (541) 554-4355 or tate.namle@gmail.com.