Ridge to Rivers Partnership
The vision of preserving the Boise Foothills and trail system dates back to the 1940s when community leaders were discussing the future of the hills that had been part of the Boise Army Arracks military training area. A number of committees over the years echoed this desire, and in 1992 a variety of local, state and federal agencies combined their efforts to turn this dream into reality and the Ridge to Rivers partnership was formed.
The Ridge to Rivers partnership consist of
- The City of Boise
- Ada County
- The Bureau of Land Management Four Rivers Field Office
- The Boise National Forest
- Idaho Department of Fish and Game
This partnership exists under a multi-agency Memorandum of Understanding, with the City of Boise serving as the lead agency.
Key Partnership Ideas and Information
The success of the Ridge to Rivers partnership is based on the concept of sharing funding and expertise. By pooling limited funds and specialized knowledge, this partnership effort can accomplish community goals while using tax dollars and donations effectively.
Many landowners and residents have given time and energy to achieve the goal of an interconnected system of trails and open space. With so many of the existing trails crossing private lands, the landowners have been an important partner in creating what has become a critical element of this valley's quality of life. Thank you to the landowners who have shown vision and collaboration to help make our community unique.
Volunteers are also an important part of the maintenance of the trails. More than 2,000 volunteer hours are donated each year in caring for the foothills and Ridge to Rivers Trail System.
The Ridge to Rivers Trail System Management Plan is the result of more than nine months of public input and discussion, research, and field observation. Thousands of people throughout the community contributed to the creation of the plan, which was published in 2016. The intent of the planning process was to create a community supported, sustainable, actionable plan that will guide the trail network and the trail community forward.
The Ridge to Rivers Trail Management Plan:
Establishes a vision for the Ridge to Rivers trail system.
Provides data and trends context for trail-related decision making.
Guides future trail management and development by setting clear goals and a range of possible strategies and polices to achieve those goals.
Identifies priority actions for implementation.
[Review and Update] The Ridge to Rivers Partnership meets quarterly to review goals, outcomes and plan for future initiatives. These meetings are open to the public.
Upcoming Meetings
January 20, 2025
April 15, 2025
July 15, 2025