An improved public access to the North Fork Payette River could soon be built in McCall.
A concept developed by the City of McCall and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game would add a boat ramp, parking, restrooms, and a picnic shelter to a small strip of city land along Deinhard Lane on the east side of a bridge over the river.
The city and Fish and Game are seeking public comments on the proposal through a survey here. The survey closes on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Comments can also be sent to Jordan Messner, regional fisheries manager for Fish and Game’s McCall office, at [email protected].
Why are the improvements needed?
The site, which totals about 0.75 acres and is owned by the city, currently has an unimproved dirt parking area, a trail to the river, and a small beach that serves as a primitive boat launch.
However, it lacks the basic amenities to support the frequent use it receives from anglers, rafters, canoers, kayakers, and standup paddler boarders, according to the city.
“We have an obligation to be good stewards of the landscape,” McCall Parks and Recreation Director Kurt Wolf said.
“Making access improvements such as these in partnership with Idaho Fish & Game will help mitigate soil erosion, manage noxious weeds, and improve the safety and user’s recreational experience of this natural public amenity,” Wolf said.
The improvements would include erosion prevention measures around the new boat ramp and a disabled access pathway to a landing area by the river.
Timeline uncertain
The agencies are currently applying for grants to fund the project, which does not currently have an estimated cost. The timeline for construction will depend on funding, Wolf said.
Fish and Game does not have any regulatory authority over the project, but is partnering with the city due to “mutual interest” in the improvements, Messner said.
The improvements will be subject to review by the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission.
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The project is supported by goals in both the Valley County Waterways Management Plan and the McCall Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan.
The North Fork Payette River is designated by Valley County as a non-motorized waterway from Payette Lake to Lake Cascade.
