The Recreation Subcommittee believes a robust all-season recreation program on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is critical to a vibrant economy in north-central Idaho. The Agreement and Work Plan focuses on motorized recreation, specifically a “legislated” north-south motorized trail, and funding for an appraisal, easements and improvements. Non-motorized recreation is also considered by the subcommittee.
The Subcommittee took a step back from the Agreement and Work Plan to refine the CBC’s recreation vision, expanding its scope, integrating the components and emphasizing the importance of recreation to the local economy. A proposal to modify the Agreement and Work Plan is being drafted and will be presented to the CBC Work Group in the future. In the meantime, the following concepts will be forwarded to the Implementation Committee for consideration.
Vision Statement
“The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are the recreation “gem” of Idaho, offering an all-season continuum of recreation opportunities from well-developed sites within the roaded front country to undeveloped sites waiting to be discovered within the vast tracts of road-less and Wilderness lands. Select sites serve as recreation “hubs” where a variety of motorized and non-motorized opportunities exist within the same geographic area. A well planned and well maintained system of roads and trails facilitates efficient travel between developed and undeveloped areas, creating one integrated recreation system. The recreation program is sufficiently funded, supported by partners, and funding is sustainable. Relevant recreation information is easily obtained by prospective visitors.”
Idaho Gem Trail Project
The Concept
Several years ago the Clearwater Basin Collaborative (CBC) had an idea: Make north-central Idaho a recreation destination by designating a 240-mile motorized route from Elk City, Idaho, north to Avery, Idaho. The route would not require new construction; rather, it would be comprised of existing road and trail segments linked together, designated and branded as the GEM (Grand Exploration Motorized) Trail.
While providing obvious recreational opportunities, the route would also provide economic opportunities by providing access to and marketing the numerous small communities along the way and where riders could seek amenities and information about additional recreational opportunities in the region.
Making the GEM Trail a Reality
Designating such a route is a complex task. As currently envisioned, the trail would cross multiple ownership’s including trail segments managed by the Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho County, and private landowners, necessitating the need to negotiate multiple agreements and possibly easements. Additionally, an overall management entity is needed to provide marketing and management direction and troubleshoot problems. Since these actions require substantial time and funding, the CBC is considering development of a management council to perform this function.
Not having the resources to tackle these issues and designate the entire route in its totality, the CBC has stepped back and decided to take an incremental approach to trail designation. While a 240-mile trail has been mapped using GPS technology, the CBC has decided to take a second look at the route from the community of Kooskia north to Avery to determine if a simpler route can be located, necessitating the need for fewer agreements and eliminating the need for easements.
While a re-evaluation of that trail segment occurs, the CBC is working with the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests to designate and sign the route from Clearwater south to Elk City, which is closely aligned with the historic Elk City Wagon Road. As part of that effort a formal logo has been adopted, and the CBC and Forest Service are working in partnership to develop necessary agreements to incorporate the logo into the existing infrastructure including signs and mile markers. Discussions are being initiated with Idaho County regarding signing on the Clearwater to Kooskia segment.
Additionally, the CBC is working to incorporate the logo and GEM Trail information into a kiosk at the recently-completed trail head in Elk City. The product of collaboration between Framing Our Community, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, this trail head will serve as the southernmost trail head along the GEM route.
