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Parks staff outline 2024 season, Idaho Power bank‑stabilization work and Fizz Springs grant
Summary
Baker County parks director briefed commissioners on 2024 campground use, Idaho Power’s $3 million bank stabilization at New Bridge area, plans for a vault toilet at Holcomb Park, and a $42,000 Title II award for Fizz Springs work.
Parks Director Donnie (last name not specified in the transcript) updated the Baker County Board of Commissioners on the department’s 2024 operations and 2025 priorities during the Jan. 8 meeting.
The department reopened campgrounds for spring break in 2024 and provided space for firefighters during this year’s wildfires; staff organized community drives to support crews. Parks staff reported seasonal water‑level swings at county recreation reservoirs and said the county’s floating restroom program continues; Baker County currently operates one floating restroom on commission property and has ordered a second unit.
Why it matters: the parks serve tourism, recreation, and local quality-of-life functions for Baker County; capital projects and grant funding affect year‑round access and ADA compliance.
Key projects and funding: the county’s parks presentation summarized Idaho Power’s bank stabilization project, a $3 million effort that removed bank trees, added access stairs and improved trail and boat access at the site in front of campsites. Director Donnie said Idaho Power will return in spring to asphalt and re‑stripe the access areas. The project also added Jersey barriers and 30 feet of extra bank suitable for ADA improvements and bank fishing access.
Fizz Springs: the department secured about $42,000 in Title II funding to repair fencing, re‑develop the springhead, install troughs and restore riparian area at Fizz Springs, a site about 11 miles above New Bridge.
Planned 2025 items: Parks asked the commissioners to consider a vault toilet at Holcomb Park to allow year‑round opening and proposed an ADA non‑motorized boat launch to replace a rough ramp. Director Donnie said she is talking with contractors about both projects. The department also reported continuing engagement on TMDL and water‑quality issues with state agencies and expects more fieldwork for the Baker City Watershed Project.
Property inquiry: Donnie said the Palmer family has approached county officials about possibly selling about 2.5 acres of nursery property in the UGB; the parks department has no funding to acquire the parcel and no formal purchase action was pending. The director said staff will keep the property “on the radar” if the commissioners wish to consider it in the future.
Community and education: parks staff described participation in the Field to Fork youth program and a recent Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) tour hosted for agency staff from Salem to illustrate eastern Oregon agricultural operations.
Next steps: parks staff requested permission to pursue the Holcomb vault toilet and the ADA non‑motorized launch as budget proposals for 2025; they also asked for continued support for Idaho Power’s follow‑on work and for county coordination on the Fizz Springs restoration.
