City of Ketchum and Wood River Land Trust pen future partnership on Warm Springs Preserve

The city of Ketchum and Wood River Land Trust (WRLT) will collaborate to explore the restoration of the Warm Springs Creek and riparian area of Warm Springs Preserve.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was approved by City Council on Monday.

As fundraising continues, the city is preparing for the master planning process for the Preserve.

One phase of the plan includes the restoration of the riparian zone adjacent to Warm Springs Creek and its floodplain connector trail.

Ketchum’s collaboration with WRLT will begin by drafting a request for proposals for services to create the master plan specific to the restoration of the creek and property.

WRLT will assist the consultant on the master plan by providing input from their experience with watercourse restoration and allocating water to reduce water use necessary to restore and maintain the watercourse and property.

All local, state and federal approval will be obtained by the city. Sources for funding the restoration work will be determined after a plan is approved.

“The Wood River Land Trust is the ideal partner for this part of the master plan,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “They not only have the necessary experience in riparian restoration but share the community’s passion for this particular property."

The community will be asked to participate in the full master planning process in the spring.

Since the start of the campaign, and through the generosity of 992 donors, gifts and pledges now total $8,468,336.75, which includes a $500,000 contingent pledge that is a challenge grant.

There are only 7 weeks to the April deadline, If the city raises $523,309, the challenge grant will come through and finish the campaign.

Warm Springs Preserve will be kept as open space in perpetuity for the community if the campaign to purchase the property succeeds.

Priorities for the Preserve include off-leash dog access, creek and habitat restoration, new water-conscious irrigation system, walking trails, informal gatherings and activities, Nordic ski and snowshoe trails, and public restrooms. Development, organized sports and reserved private or commercial events would be restricted.

Currently, the property is zoned to allow significant development. However, a subdivision application and approval from the city would still be required.

For more information and to find ways to give, visit www.warmspringspreserve.org.

If you have questions about the fundraising campaign or the city’s plans for the property, please email warmspringspreserve@gmail.com.