Public Claims South Fork of the Snake River Overcrowded

BYINGTON, Idaho (AP) — The Bureau of Land Management is considering what to do about reports of overcrowding on the South Fork of the Snake River.

The Post Register reports the Upper Snake Field Office of the BLM will be holding a series of focus group and gathering input in other ways during a 30-day public comment period. Proposed solutions include limiting the number of people who float the river, limiting boat access, limiting outfitter use and requiring campsite reservations. Different river users — from fishermen to floaters — agree the river is crowded but they blame different people.

The timing of a decision will depend on how many comments BLM receives, and how many various scenarios are suggested. The BLM is hoping for a decision by winter.