Spring Hollow Road Repair and Rehabilitation

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Spring Hollow recreation site is approximately 11 ½ miles southeast of St. Anthony, Idaho; located on the Teton River above the Teton Dam site. It is the only access to the upper section of the Teton River. This section of the river is known for its blue ribbon trout fishing, and is also popular for kayaking. Spring Hollow Recreation Area is a designated recreation area initially designed by Bureau of Reclamation to be constructed as access to the Teton Reservoir. Initial design included a campground, large parking area and restrooms on the canyon rim, and a concrete boat ramp to the reservoir. The recreation area was partially constructed during the construction of the Dam. The ramp asset was lost during the Teton Dam failure. Efforts to complete, repair or further develop the site were suspended indefinitely after the flood. Currently, there is no evidence of earlier campsites or restrooms in the area. There is a large gravel parking lot on the canyon rim and a few slabs of concrete that was formerly a boat ramp. The existing route to the boat launch is a user-created and has caused severe erosion due to recreation use and storm run-off. The route starts near the remnant of the old ramp and does not follow the natural slope; instead it bends sharply, bisecting the hillside. The resulting steep grade drains directly to the river and has become a safety hazard. Large boulders, loose rocks and gravel prevent good traction or clearance for tow-vehicles and trailers. The access is used by Reclamation and its co-operators for administrative purposes, including but not limited to fish and wildlife surveys and monitoring. This site is also used by the general public for fishing and boat launching. It has become better known, and increasingly popular as more people are moving into Idaho from the Jackson, Wyoming area and searching for river access. A restroom is needed in this area. Reclamation has entered into a twenty year management agreement with IDFG to provide development, administration, operation, and maintenance for the Spring Hollow recreation site.

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