Valley County approves Wellington Campground use for North Fork Championship, contingent on permits

Valley County commissioners approved a request to allow exclusive use of the Wellington Snowpark & Campground for the North Fork Championship—a whitewater kayak competition—pending an approved conditional use permit and other required permits.

County staff briefed commissioners that a group of organizers had visited Wellington, stayed three nights and developed an event plan that would base competitors at the Snowpark. Organizers told the county they have held preliminary meetings with the Idaho Transportation Department and will work through a conditional use permit (CUP) process; ITD requires a minimum $1,000,000 insurance policy for events that affect state highway operations. Organizers also said they plan midweek scheduling and vendor support, and that the SwissBarry snowmobile club will perform a cleanup day at the facility.

James Byrd, who with his wife previously organized the North Fork event for ten years, described the field of competitors (including elite paddlers) and said the group will follow permit and safety requirements. County staff said they will negotiate a facility fee and work with organizers on parking, overflow camping and traffic plans. Commissioners noted the county has not granted exclusive use like this before and asked staff to be mindful of potential repercussions.

A motion to approve exclusive use of the Wellington Campground for three nights in June 2026, contingent on an approved CUP and related permits, was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff will continue coordination with organizers and ITD and will deliver the CUP and permit documents when finalized.