Bull Cr., Silver Cr. trails re-open today (Oct. 1) to motorbikes & non-motorized use N. of Crouch, ID

42 culverts were installed along the trails to reduce erosion.

Hi all, 

Twenty-two miles of Bull Creek and Silver Creek trails reopen today (Oct. 1) to motorcycle and non-motorized use following extensive trail work by several public agencies and recreation groups. The trails had been closed for two years to rehabilitate the trails, install culverts and a bridge, and brush and clear the trail. 

The trail project, located in the Emmett Ranger District of the Boise National Forest, was a partnership project with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Boise National Forest, Trails Unlimited, Treasure Valley Trail Machine Association, Squaw Butte Backcountry Horsemen, and the Emmett Rough Riders ATV Club.  

The singletrack trails are open for motorcycle and non-motorized recreation use to provide for sustainable and manageable opportunities while reducing impacts to natural resources and watershed values. ATV or UTV use of the trails is prohibited. 

New 35-foot bridge before, above, and after, below. 

All told, the reconstruction project included:

• Installing 42 arched culverts throughout the 22-mile-long trail system. The culverts will improve drainage on the trails and reduce trail erosion. 
• Rerouting 10 sections (3 major) of the trail network. 
• Building a 35-foot bridge
• Building a 40-foot-long retaining wall
• Connecting the upper Bull Creek Trail with the Rice Peak Trail for a longer ride opportunity that extends into the Cascade Ranger District, and other public trails near Stolle Meadows. 
• Completing extensive brushing and clearing of the trail width and tread. 

Treasure Valley TMA volunteered weekend work over a two-year period for many project tasks. In addition, the Squaw Butte Backcountry Horsemen volunteered with trail clearing. The Emmett Rough Riders ATV Club volunteered to do trail clearing on the Telephone Ridge Trail, which was key to equipment hauling and better access to the upper Bull Creek Trail.

The trail system will be seasonally designated for use from July 1 through November 14. Further information is available by contacting the Emmett Ranger District at 208-365-7000, or by going to http://trails.idaho.gov. Search for Bull Creek Trail or Silver Creek Trail to check on seasonal restrictions. 

Heavy-duty trail-rehab on the Bull Creek Trail 

5 new tips for OHV hunters in Idaho ... online maps, videos and more ... Have a great hunt!

Hi all,

The Idaho OHV Public Outreach Campaign has created a new web page for hunters who use off-highway vehicles to reach their camps and hunting areas. We wanted to share our 5 tips for a safe and legal hunting experience in Idaho. According to the latest survey, more than 70 percent of the 240,000 people who hunt big game in the state of Idaho (residents and nonresidents) use OHVs as part of their hunt.

The big challenge when you're an OHV rider during hunting season is to figure out what hunting units and specific trails are open to OHV use. It's not enough to just check on the U.S. Forest Service
or BLM travel plan map. You also have to check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game hunting regulations.

Our tips are meant to help demystify that admittedly challenging process. At least more of these resources are online than ever before.

Here you go:

1. Do your homework and know what specific areas or hunting units are open to OHVs during big game hunting seasons ... Good sources of information:

•      National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps     
•         BLM Travel Maps  
•         IDFG big game regulations for additional restrictions that apply to big game hunters
•         IDPR Statewide Online Map
•         Hunting tips video 
  
  

2. Stay on designated trails. Cross-country riding is illegal on most Forest Service and BLM lands, and it is destructive to the environment. Responsible riders know that.     

3. Use your trail machine to scout for game and access your hunting camp, but it's illegal to shoot big game animals from your OHV. (Hunters with a disabled permit are exempt from this rule). 

4. Utility Terrain Vehicles wider than 50 inches are not allowed on ATV trails or singletrack trails. UTVs wider than 50 inches should travel on dirt roads and/or two-track roads that are open during hunting season.

5. Park your OHV if you need to leave a trail or road to retrieve a big game animal. 

We hope you have a safe and productive hunt! Please feel free to share this information with your hunting buddies. And if you have feedback on our tips, please let us know!