With all the cold wet weather, fishing on the Henry’s Fork has been a bit tougher. However, there are some great trout being caught like this 24 inch rainbow trout by Ron Cockle. Ron and David Engelman, a guest of over 3 decades, had a great day on the Henry’s Fork.
The weather looks to be improving a bit. This should settle the river down and get some more big bugs out. Green Drakes should be making an appearance as well.
We are getting tired of the rain, but we sure needed it.
Way to go Margaret. 26 inch Henry’s Fork brown trout caught on a dry fly.
By Steven Pope
Here in Eastern Idaho, the Snake River is the lifeblood of our economy, along with its lakes and tributaries. The watershed council met Tuesday morning to look at a variety of water issues.
Members of the group Friends of the Teton River say they’re doing everything they can to protect it through education and awareness.
“The health of the river is really important to both locals, tourists, and to the economic health of the whole valley,” said Lyn Benjamin, with the Friends of the Teton River.
The following is a press release from January 22nd by the Governors office to explain the State position on the supposed closing of State Parks, including the Harriman Ranch, other wise known as Railroad Ranch, on the Henry’s Fork.
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NEWS RELEASE |
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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 22, 2010 10:006 |
CONTACT: Jon Hanian (208) 334-2100 |
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GOVERNOR, PARKS AND RECREATION ANNOUNCE MONEY-SAVING MANAGEMENT PLAN
(BOISE) – Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter joined Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Director Nancy Merrill today
in announcing a plan for reducing the agency’s General Fund by $4.5 million in Fiscal Year 2011.
Governor Otter challenged Merrill to develop a plan that would get Parks and Recreation off the state’s General Fund while keeping Idaho’s State parks open.
“We will remain the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, by changing our management philosophy and operating more like a business,” Merrill said. “The emphasis as we move forward will be balancing expenditures with revenues.”
“This was never about shutting down parks or doubting the value and importance of those parks to the people of Idaho. This was a budget process that involved tough decisions and a lot of people who care deeply about the resource as well as Idaho’s taxpayers,” Governor Otter said. “I’m proud of Nancy and her crew for stepping up to the challenge and putting together a solid business model.”
The plan presented to the Governor reduces operations to functions that are essential to the agency’s mission, implements agency-wide efficiencies, and identifies partners within other State agencies to eliminate duplication of services. It also calls for using money from the RV Registration Fund to help offset the costs of personnel and operations within State parks that have a direct relationship to the RV use, such as Farragut, Ponderosa and Bruneau.
In addition, the agency will reduce its Full Time Position (FTP) count by 25 personnel. To protect positions within State parks, most of the FTP reductions come from the headquarters in Boise.
“Our goal is to keep our parks open and protect programs and access. To do so, we’re going to use available cash balances until new revenue from recently implemented fee increases and cost savings can be realized,” Merrill said. “This plan will not be an easy one to implement; changes in business and operational philosophies never are. But IDPR is committed to its mission and to our customers.”
The plan is subject to legislative approval.
Governor Otter’s Official Site
As many of you know the Railroad Ranch is in danger. The word around the State of Idaho is that Governor Butch Otter plans to close the Idaho State Parks Department. As I listened to the local talk radio station this morning while tying flies I heard an interview with the Governor in which he stated that he had no intentions of closing the state parks but merely transfer the administration of the parks over to the Idaho Department of Lands and the Idaho Fish and Game. This would be done in an effort to cut the state budget during this economic down turn. All of this is quite heartening until you understand the nature of the agreement between the State and the Harriman family who owns the property.
Henry’s Fork Anglers manager Mike Lawson talked about his ties to the Harrimans and the establishment of the park.
“I know the Harrimans and the intent of the family,” Lawson said regarding the stipulation a professional parks agency be created to manage Harriman and other Idaho state parks.
“I understand the intent of the family, and the heirs aren’t that far away. You are going to see them pretty quickly if the state moves ahead with this. I’m really concerned about it.”
From this statement it appears that without an official Parks Department the agreement would be rescinded and access could be lost. Let us all hope this does not happen.
The following are excerpts from the Rexburg Standard Journal
At issue is Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s recommendation the Parks Department be eliminated and park management be turned over to the Idaho Department of Lands and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
Trafton’s (Henry’s Fork Foundation Executive Director) comments appeared to concur with Associated Press reports that the governor’s recommendations may be showing some cracks in reserve.
“We’re hearing it’s not dead yet, but it’s dying,” Trafton said of the recommendations. He said he questioned if the governor’s office was aware of the agreements between the Harriman family and the state tying the family’s gift to the establishment of a professional parks agency.
Trafton urged those interested in keeping the agency intact “watch hard, without resting on our laurels” as the issues plays out in the state Legislature.
Outfitting fly fishermen since 1919 on the South Fork of the Snake, Teton and Henry's Fork rivers.
