This purchase was approved by Boise City Council on Tuesday, August 31.
The City of Boise is proposing the use of levy funds to purchase and preserve 29 acres located in the northwest Boise Foothills. The acreage, located off Pierce Park Road, is adjacent to an area already utilized by the community for public access.
Members of the Pursley family approached the city with an interest in preserving wildlife habitat and providing public access in a part of the foothills that currently includes no access easements. The land is located between Polecat Reserve and Seaman’s Gulch. Ken Pursley purchased the property from Lillian Barnes in 1991 and always envisioned the site containing open space and trails, in addition to homesite development.
The total purchase price for the property is approximately $605,000 plus due diligence costs. This price is significantly lower than the overall value of the land because the Pursley family trust has agreed to donate a portion of the value of the property should Boise City Council members approve the acquisition.
“I’m grateful to the Pursley family for reaching out to the city and working alongside our team to preserve this important area for public access,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “This agreement is a testament to the city’s successful use of levy funds over the last two decades and I look forward to building trail connections and protecting important wildlife habitat in the foothills from Highway 21 to old Highway 55.”
If purchased, the city would not develop trails or trailhead facilities right away, and existing informal and landowner allowed access would not be impacted by the purchase.
“This area is an integral part of the wildlife ecosystem in the northwest Boise Foothills, and this is an incredible opportunity to preserve it for generations to come,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “Ridge to Rivers users of all kinds will benefit from this addition.”
Boise City Council members will consider the purchase at their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, August 31.