2025
Recreation Leases
In 2025, we continue to manage our leasing program along the east side of Payette Lake and the Green Gate area.Public Survey
We’re excited to share that we’ve hired researchers from the University of Idaho to gather valuable input from Valley County taxpayers. A survey will be sent via postcard to residents and visitors, asking for feedback on a potential land exchange and how the Payette Lakes Endowment Lands should be managed in the future. Your voice matters, and we encourage everyone to participate—look for the postcard with a URL survey link coming soon!
COMMENTARY: The Red Ridge Development Proposal
The proposed Red Ridge Development represents a major shift in the landscape of our area, calling for large-scale development on private land. While this issue falls outside the scope of United Payette’s mission, it remains a concern for many within our coalition. If you want to stay informed or get involved in efforts to preserve McCall’s natural lands, we encourage you to join the conversation on the Facebook page “STAND together to preserve McCall’s Natural Lands” here.
2024
Clean UP! Year 4
United Payette volunteers once again demonstrated their commitment to conserving our environment by collecting over 400 pounds of trash across the Green Gate area, Crestline Trail, and other high-use zones of the Endowment Lands.New Access Trail to the Park
Thanks to our dedicated coalition partner, Payette Land Trust (PLT), a new trail easement has been secured through the White Pines Endowment Land. PLT worked tirelessly to secure state approval and funding to make this happen. This new easement will permanently connect Lick Creek Road to Ponderosa Park, ensuring continued public access to these cherished green spaces. https://payettelandtrust.org/white-pine-heights-trail-easement/Land Exchange Task Force Formed
In a key step toward enhancing land management, United Payette steering team members Randy Fox and Jeff Canfield formed a new task force focused on exploring a potential land exchange between the Idaho Department of Lands and the U.S. Forest Service. Valley County Commissioner Sherry Maupin and McCall City Council member Julie Thrower are important members of this team. https://www.mccallstarnews.com/mccall-joins-united-payette-task-force/
2023
State Asks Judge To Throw Out Lingering Trident Holdings Lawsuit Over McCall Land Swap February 2023
Link: https://boisedev.com/news/2023/02/27/trident-idaho-lawsuit/
United Payette Develops Path, Valley County Recognizes Shellworth Island As Area Of Critical Concern August 2023
United Payette Supports, Partially Funds Recreation Leasing For 1,200 Acres On Payette Endowment Lands May 2023
2022
United Payette Assists Payette Land Trust To Establish Conservation Easement on Cougar Island After Auction December 2022
United Payette Assists Valley County In Forming Recreation Advisory Council -
Link: Needed https://www.mccallstarnews.com/valley-county-rec-advisory-council/ December2022
2021
United Payette Forms To Steer Management Of Payette Lake Endowment Lands
Link: https://www.idahostatesman.com/outdoors/article252609463.html August, 2021
United Payette Proposes Conserving Lands Targeted By Developer September 2021
United Payette Submits Proposal For McCall Area State Endowment Lands September 2021 (There is also a KIVI video clip in the news archive for this; is linking it possible? Video is a big draw I understand)
Link: https://boisedev.com/news/2021/09/23/united-payette-endowment-land/
United Payette and Valley County Enter into Agreement to Conserve Payette Endowment Lands November 2021
Link: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/60ef419cb68c2913bece7800/t/6195a007f032760bef21d0