Community & Lifestyle

Fly Tying Classes

Fly tying classes are being offered during the month of February by Ron Hicks.  See details at Magic Valley Fly Fishers site.

Fly Fishing Derby Planned

Clear Lake Country Club is planning a Fly Fishing Derby on February13th.  It sounds like a fun event.  Register early as there is a limit to how many can enter.  Read more at Magic Valley Fly Fishers.

Idaho Banks Strength Helps Support the State’s Economy

Robb Hicken wrote in an article in the Idaho Business Review that :Banks in Idaho look bright: Despite challenges, banks move forward”.  He discusses the benefits of having sound Idaho banks to Idaho’s economy and some of the challenges the state faces as the economy recovers.

Good News! Idaho has a Plan to Keep Parks Open

I was glad to read the article  in the Times News written by Ben Botkin that stated  “Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter and Idaho Parks and Recreation Department Director Nancy Merrill announced on Friday plans aimed at shifting the agency’s dependence away from the state’s general fund and making Idaho’s parks more self-sustaining through business plans tailored for each park. . . . “  This welcome plan should have been addressed years ago before they become a drain on our state’s general fund.  According to the article the plan will go before JFAC on February 1.  I have said in several conversations that if they raised the fees slightly, it would help with the cost.   I’m certainly willing to pay $1 more to camp in a state park.  The article didn’t mention any changes to the cost of the annual state parks pass, but a small increase there certainly shouldn’t affect sales.  Until now, I figured very few would even buy the annual pass, not knowing if there were going to be very many state parks still open.  Cudos to those who have worked hard and provided input to come up with a plan.  As a Hagerman resident I am pleased that we will not be looking at closure of the state parks in our area.  Read the entire Times News article.

Philosophy, finances behind push to trim Idaho PTV

I’ve been reading about another action that Idaho’s Governor Butch Otter is taking to cut costs.  He is trying to shut down Idaho Public Television.  I think this would be a travesty.  I particularly enjoy watching Outdoor Idaho that is produced by this network and know many others who also watch it ans several of the other programs.  Can’t he find solutions other than shutting down Idaho Public Television or dismantling our State Park System?  Read more about the Idaho Public Television proposal.

Bird Viewing in Hagerman Idaho

I am not a very knowledgable birder, but do enjoy spotting and photoing the myriad of birds seen in the Hagerman Valley.  Last Saturday we went for a drive so some of our favorite sites and saw this bird that I thought was and egret.  In pulling out my bird book found that I was right.  We also saw quite a few swans some of which are shown in the other photo

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Magic Valley Fly Fishers

I love sharing  my passion  for fly fishing with other enthusiasts of the sport.  The Magic Valley Fly Fishing organization provides me with that opportunity.

The goal of the Magic Valley Fly Fishers is to promote, preserve, protect, and enhance fly fisheries and function exclusively for education, charity and betterment of all fishing and conservation in the Magic Valley and the state of Idaho.  MVFF coordinates with governmental agencies, the Idaho Fish and Game, and private land holders to improve and promote fly fishing.

MVFF supports trout in the classroom, habitat rehabilitation, access for handicapped, and the Ruel Stayner scholarship to College of Southern Idaho fisheries students.

Learn more about this group and their upcoming January meeting.

Learn more about Magic Valley Communities

When considering moving to a community it is helpful to see what is going on in that commmunity at the governing and Chamber of Commerce levels.  We are would like to provide links to the Magic Valley community websites and blogs below:
City of Hagerman
Hagerman Chamber
City of Jerome
City of Kimberly
City of Buhl
City of Twin Falls [...]

Idaho Budget Cutting could negatively affect Recreational Opportunities

I just read about another wonderful state park that is in jeopardy of loosing its funding from the State of Idaho.  That park is Harriman State Park located in Island Park.  It is a wonderful park along the banks of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, home of beautiful, elusive rainbow trout, wildlife, birds, history.  Over the years I’ve visited it in the winter on cross country skis, and in the summer while fly fishing.  It would be a shame to see this park and others in our great state go by the wayside because of budget cuts.  Other parks that are threatened include Thousand Springs State Park Complex  in the Hagerman area.  Communicate with your legislators about these parks and their importance to our communities.  Read more about Hariman State Park, Thousand Springs State Park Complex

Legislative and governor contact information:

Governor

Representative Donna Pence
Representative Jim Patrick
Representative John "Bert" Stevenson
Representative Leon Smith
Representative Maxine Bell
Representative Scott Bedke
Representative Sharon Block	
Representative Stephen Hartgen
Representative Wendy Jacquet
Senator Bert Brackett
Senator Chuck Coiner
Senator Clint Stennett
Senator Dean Cameron
Senator Denton Darrington	

Winter Sports Opportunities

I want to be sure my readers are aware of one  a great recreation spot in our area.  If you like winter sports Pomerelle Mountain Resort offers great snow and friendly service for the skier and snowboarder alike.  I grew up skiing Pomerelle and have seen many changes and improvements over the years.   It is a great area for snowshoeing and cross country skiing also.  Snowmobilers will find their own parking lot, restrooms,  and trails nearby.  Learn more at www.pomerelle-mtn.com

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