Henry’s Fork

Jan
21

Railroad Ranch Update

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From this statement it appears that without an official Parks Department the agreement would be rescinded and access could be lost.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.

2 Categories : Henry's Fork, Idaho

Jan
15

Railroad Ranch Access in Danger

by Matt Berry

This information was recently posted on the Henry’s Fork Foundations Web Site:

Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter has proposed the elimination of general funding for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) as part of the 2010 state budget. The elimination of IDPR potentially means the loss of public access to state parks and facilities all over Idaho, including the world-famous Harriman State Park in Fremont County.

At no place would the potential loss to the public be more obvious than at the park that started the agency: Harriman. This 11,000 acre park with its eight miles of the Henry’s Fork is an international destination, arguably the most famous trout river in the world and one of Idaho’s most recognizable landscapes. The Henry’s Fork Foundation was founded in a cabin across the river from Harriman State Park, and in 1999 Trout Unlimited members voted the Henry’s Fork the best trout stream in America. A study conducted by Colorado State University and sponsored by the Henry’s Fork Foundation and Trout Unlimited estimated that the Henry’s Fork generated nearly $30 million towards the local economy and supported, directly or indirectly, more than 800 jobs. According to the agreement between the Harriman family and the state of Idaho, the park must revert to the family should the state default on any of the provisions of the agreement, including that of the provision of a managing agency.

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1 Categories : Henry's Fork, Idaho

Sep
30

Fall Fishing Has Arrived

by Matt Berry

Nearly a month of warm sunny weather has finally come to an end. Today Fall has arrived in the mountains and with it all the seasons great year end fishing attributes. This is the time for blue wings, streamers, giant browns, and no crowds! For most guides this is the time of year we have all been waiting for. For myself and my friends and clients Joe Stauffer and Chuck Pittman the first day of this Autumn was marked by a great day of fishing on the Henry’s Fork. We were lucky enough to find several rainbows willing to play, two of which were 20″ and one beauty that was 24″ X 12″. It was a great day and I am sure will be the first of several real Fall fishing days over the next two months.