An Idaho Centennial Trail that traverses two wildernesses in the central mountains has been approved by the Lasting Legacy Committee despite Forest Service hesitation.
The trail crosses "major and significant parts of the wilderness areas," said Jack Trueblood, a Legacy Committee member and Idaho Fish and Game Department spokesman.While the northern and southern legs of the proposed route have met with little opposition, the Forest Service was against one trail through the Frank Church-River of No Return and Selway-Bitterroot wildernesses. Officials contend it placed too much pressure on the pristine property along the byway.
The trail was proposed to run from the Nevada border to Canada through scenic mountain and desert areas. Hiking enthusiasts wanted it designated in time for the state's birthday in July.
Meeting with the Legacy Committee earlier this week, the Idaho Parks and Recreation Department suggested one trail outside the wildernesses that would carry signs and logos designating it as the Centennial Trail, Trueblood said. Three other paths would be offered in the wilderness to spread out the foot traffic, but carried no signs.
The committee, however, picked one trail proposed to Parks and Recreation by conservationists in August, Trueblood said. It was similar to one followed by Roger Williams of Meridian and Syd Tate of Boise in 1986.
The Forest Service referred to the board's decision as a "suggestion," but the Legacy Committee both set the official trail and approved Parks and Recreation money for signs, Trueblood said.
"I think (Forest Service) will reconcile themselves to it," he said. "I don't look for it to cause a lot of problems."
A Centennial float down the Salmon River was also approved for this summer, Trueblood said.
It was put together by the state's outfitters and guides, and will feature craft from modern kayaks to the old wooden sweep boats that plied the Salmon white water in the early part of the century. The float will run from Stanley to the confluence with the Snake River and continue along that waterway to Lewiston.