STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK
The Wood River Land Trust has wrapped up a campaign to expand the Hailey Greenway in the vicinity of Colorado Gulch.
The Land Trust was able to raise the money to acquire the Grassi Property, a 30.8-acre parcel that Land Trust members say teems with ecological treasure.
The property includes riparian and floodplain habitats and wetlands, forming a sanctuary for a myriad of wildlife species.
This parcel boasts over 18 acres of mature riparian cover, a bustling thoroughfare for elk and other wildlife, while nurturing a rich tapestry of biodiversity for migrating and resident bird populations.
It also encompasses more than 23 acres of floodplain, which will safeguard water quality, mitigate flood risks and replenish groundwater.
The Hailey Greenway stretches from Colorado Gulch to Lions Park at the mouth of Croy Canyon.
Plans are for a bridge to be built over the Big Wood River in this area next fall to replace the one that was badly damaged during the 2017 flood.