Valley County approves donation of up to 200 cubic yards of material to Fish and Game for Brown's Pond parking

Valley County commissioners voted to donate up to 200 cubic yards of road material from the county’s Lake Fork pit to Idaho Fish and Game to build a gravel parking area and improve angler access at Brown’s Pond, also called Airport Pond, in McCall.

The request came from Jordan Messner, regional fisheries manager for Idaho Fish and Game’s McCall office. Messner told commissioners the plan calls for a roughly 3,000-square-foot gravel parking area north of the existing gate that would accommodate about six vehicles, a rerouted fence around the parking area, and a walking access (a “wobble fence”) from the parking area to the pond. Messner said the pond has been managed informally with a handshake agreement with the landowner for about 30 years and that Fish and Game plans additional improvements such as docks and new fish species introductions (crappie and bluegill) to broaden opportunities for young anglers.

Messner said he had checked with county staff and that Lake Fork pit appears not to be subject to deed restrictions that would prevent the donation of the material. He asked the county to provide the material “not to exceed 200 cubic yards” and said Fish and Game would highlight the partnership when announcing the improvements.

Commissioners discussed jurisdictional steps before work begins. Commissioner Caitlin asked whether the project had gone through McCall planning and zoning; Messner said it had not yet and that Fish and Game would complete those steps before work this summer. Commissioners also asked whether the parking area would be plowed in winter; Messner replied that it would not be plowed, and commissioners noted plowing could displace gravel.

A motion to approve the request was moved and seconded and the board recorded general assent (“Aye”). The motion as recorded requested donation of material from the Lake Fork site to support construction of the gravel parking area at Brown’s Pond.

Why it matters: The project is intended to move informal roadside parking off Mission Street, improve safety for walkers and drivers and formalize public access at a popular community fishing pond on private property. The county donation reduces project cost for Fish and Game but does not remove the requirement to secure planning approval from City of McCall or to complete any other permitting steps identified by staff.

Details: The parking area was described as approximately 3,000 square feet to accommodate about six vehicles. Messner estimated the county material request at about 200 cubic yards, “maybe a little more.” The access is off Mission Street; the landowner requested that visitors not block a farm gate that provides livestock access. Jeff McFadden (county staff) had checked deed restrictions and indicated Lake Fork pit material is available for use.

Action taken: The board approved the donation request. The motion specified donation of up to 200 cubic yards of road material from the Lake Fork site to Idaho Fish and Game to support the Brown’s Pond parking and access improvements.

Next steps: Fish and Game will complete City of McCall planning and zoning steps and coordinate construction with the landowner and county staff before starting work this summer.