BANKS, Idaho — Access to the Banks River recreation site will be closed for construction from Sept. 3 to Nov. 1. according to the Forest Service, the closure is along the Payette River 14 miles north of Horseshoe Bend.
"We understand closing the Banks River Access will impact outfitters and recreators in the short-term, but the benefits will be worth it," said Boise National Forest Supervisor Brant Petersen. "The construction work cannot be done during the winter or springs' high-water season. With summer being peak usage, we had no choice but to close for construction after Labor Day."
Construction includes a redesign of the parking area and boat launch.
"We're excited as this construction and renovation is happening because we were able to obtain funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), in recognition of the destination the Payette River corridor has become for the southwest Idaho river community and the growth we've experienced with new residents and increased visitation to the Boise Metropolitan Statistical Area" (MSA), said Eve` Santillan, Recreation Program Manager for the Boise National Forest. "Part of this funding has also come from recreational fees collected on the Payette from the fee tubes on the river corridor, and I'm looking forward to the finished product as I'm sure that our boating and rafting community will be pumped as well."
People can get more information by calling the Emmett Ranger District at (208) 365-7026.
