BOISE, Idaho — Boise plans to use levy funds to purchase 80 acres in Barber Valley. The city stated, if the move was approved, it would add to the Boise foothill experience.
"This purchase allows for the realization of our vision to bike or hike into the Boise Foothills at the mouth of the Barber Valley, with options to connect from one reserve or trail to another, finishing at Boise's edge near Highway 55," said Mayor McLean. "How incredible that this land that once provided apples, cattle and other goods to the community will now further interconnectedness and community access across the entire Boise Front."
The Boise City Council could approve the $365,000 purchase at a meeting on Tuesday, May 21. If approved, the city wants to include it into the Ridge to Rivers trail system.
According to the city, the land is adjacent to the Boise River Wildlife Management Area and there will be designs and proposals for new trails soon.
A local family is selling the land to the city.
"We are grateful to Susan Miller and Charlotte Biyas, the granddaughter and great grandniece of the original owner, Alvin William Seelye, for their willingness to work with the City of Boise to preserve this unique piece of open space for generations to come," added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. "This announcement is the result of hard work, trust and relationship building with the family, and we're grateful to our Ridge to Rivers team for being such good stewards of these important community treasures."
The family gave the following statement on the pending sale:
"We would like to recognize and honor our ancestor, Alvin William Seelye. He was devoted to the stewardship of land and natural resources, and a devoted father and grandfather. He loved the beautiful country he found in Idaho and purchased land where he focused on growing apples and other fruits, as well as cattle. We are so pleased that the land will be respectfully cared for by the community going forward and made available for the public, including hikers, walkers and others of all ages and abilities, to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife that the Seelye family believes was a gift from God."
For more information on the proposal and levy projects people can click here.
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