Drew Dodson here with another edition of the Valley Lookout newsletter. One of the great things about Idaho is that we are all public land owners. Statewide, some 35 million acres of public land represent more than 60% of Idaho’s land mass. We have so much public land that each Idahoan would own about 17 acres if it were divided up amongst us. In other words, there is literally enough public land to go around for everyone.

Yet, most of us have a “loose lips sink ships” policy about our favorite swaths of public land. The locations of treasured camping spots, foraging grounds, fishing holes, hot springs, and ski lines are seemingly guarded by many under lock and key.

So I wasn’t surprised when BoiseDev’s Anna Daly received frustrated emails last week after publishing a huckleberry season primer on BoiseDev, Valley Lookout’s sister outlet. Readers informed Anna that she was contributing to an existing overcrowding problem that is leaving popular patches picked. I’ve pasted her story below to further perpetuate the problem in case you didn’t see it.

Two weekends ago, I was in one of my most prolific huckleberry hot spots when a group of five joined me. It was only the second time anyone had ever joined me in a berry patch, and the first time involving someone who didn’t know me. We exchanged pleasantries and I slowly drifted away into a new zone I didn’t know existed. Not only did I leave with the healthy harvest I came for, but I also gained knowledge that will yield more berries in the future.

We all agree that public lands are to be cherished and protected at all costs. Part of the privilege, however, is protecting everyone’s right to enjoy them—even those who are crowding the spots we like to think of as our own. The solution to crowding is not deception, but rather to simply explore more public land and find new favorite spots. Happy hunting!

First up

Go do it: Huckleberry picking

Anna Daly writes: It’s that time of year when Idaho’s state fruit is bursting from bushes all across the state.

One thing that makes huckleberries so popular is that they’re versatile, can be frozen and thawed, and used in a variety of dishes, including ice cream, jam, pies, and pancakes, throughout the year.

While huckleberry foragers can be a secretive bunch, with many guarding their favorite picking spots (don’t worry, I won’t disclose any 😉), this guide will give you a solid starting point to hunt down your favorite spot and begin your own picking adventures. You might even bring home a few gallons of Idaho’s beloved berry.

When to pick: 

In Idaho, huckleberry season usually kicks off in mid-June and can last through August — and even into October in some spots. 

According to Visit Idaho’s website, huckleberries thrive in environments with a combination of sunlight and shade.

Around mid-July, huckleberries on sunny, south-facing hills and lower elevations ripen first. In the fall, you can still find great batches of berries on cooler, north-facing slopes. 

Where to pick:

When choosing where to pick, head for areas with brushy, old clearouts or areas that are heavily logged, according to Visit Idaho.

The Payette National Forest, Ponderosa State Park, Priest Lake, and Teton Valley are just a few places where huckleberries thrive. 

There is also a place located in the Sawtooth Mountains called Huckleberry Creek, which, based on its name, might be a spot worth exploring.

What to bring:

If you choose to venture into Idaho’s forests for huckleberries, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared with the right gear. 

First, you’ll want to make sure you have a bucket that is hands-free. You can use a string and attach it to a bucket to tie around your waste or neck. Because you can sit at one bush for a while, it’s nice to have a bucket or a portable step to sit on while picking. 

You’ll also want to bring bug spray and bear spray, or a whistle, as bears also love huckleberries.

Tips and tricks: 

Laws vary on whether or not you can pick and sell huckleberries in Idaho. For example, it’s illegal to pick with the intent to sell in forests in the Idaho Panhandle, but it is okay to pick and sell on privately owned land. It’s important to check your picking area first. 

According to the Forest Service, you can pick the individual berries one at a time, but it’s illegal to damage or remove huckleberry bushes.

It’s also important to make sure that you are picking and eating huckleberries, as there are several berries in Idaho that are poisonous. 

For more tips and tricks to huckleberry picking, visit the US Forest Service’s website here.

Civic Lookout

• North Lake Recreational Sewer and Water District: Friday at 11 a.m. Agenda to be posted here.
• McCall-Donnelly School District: Monday at 6 p.m. Agenda to be posted here.
• New Meadows City Council: Monday at 6:30 p.m. Agenda to be posted here.
• Cascade City Council: Monday at 6 p.m. Agenda available here.
• Valley County Commissioners: Next Wednesday starting at 9 a.m. Agenda to be posted here.
• Cascade School Board: Next Wednesday at 6 p.m. Agenda to be posted here.

Valley Lookout Original Reporting

Attorney general investigating taxpayer subsidies to St. Luke’s McCall 

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador will weigh in on the legality of taxpayer subsidies awarded to St. Luke’s McCall in response to a complaint filed earlier this summer. Read the full story on Valley Lookout.

ITD seeking public comments on McCall bypass plans

A joint study evaluating an Idaho 55 bypass of downtown McCall is nearing completion, prompting the Idaho Transportation Department to seek public comments on the possible bypass. Read the full story on Valley Lookout.

Cascade Medical Center, St. Luke’s McCall bringing urology care to Valley County

Patients with common urological conditions will soon have two options for receiving treatment without leaving Valley County. Read the full story on Valley Lookout.

Mountain Happenings

McCall

• Farmer’s Market: On Second Street each Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• McCall Community Church Yard Sale: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 901 N. First St.
• Evening in the Pines: Roots Forest School to host wine dinner fundraiser in Ponderosa State Park starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets available here.
• Rock Concert: The Lack Family to perform at The Depot Terrace near Legacy Park next Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Entry is free but donations are welcome.

Donnelly

• Farmer’s Market: Every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Donnelly City Park.
• Wednesday Night Concert Series: Old West Trio to perform at 6:30 p.m. tonight in historic Roseberry.
• Stefano’s Tasting Yurt: Chef Steve Topple to host first dinner in re-branded yurt at Casa Rossa on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Call Ragazza Di Bufalo at 208-325-3463 for reservations.

Cascade

• Valley County Fair and Rodeo: 4H events daily, with the Valley County Rodeo at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Junior Rodeo to be held Thursday night at 6 p.m. Click here for a complete schedule.
• Live music: The Local at Clear Creek to host Tyller Longden on Saturday at 6 p.m. and Dave Nudo on Sunday at 4 p.m.

New Meadows

• Potluck and Bingo: Next Wednesday starting at 5 p.m. at the Meadows Valley Community Center.
• Thrift sale: Little School House Thrift Store (formerly The Community House) to offer shorts and shoes 50% on Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Farmer’s Market: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Dorsey Warr Memorial Park.

Mountain Pet of the Week

Meet Sam! Sam’s owner Mike Spaulding of McCall says Sam likes to hide his treats in “very secret” spots. Who knows where he hid this last one!

Click here to nominate your pet for Mountain Pet of the Week for a chance to be featured on a weekly newsletter!