Developing a State Park Within Idaho's Bayhorse Mining District

The Bayhorse Mine property is a well-known “ghost town” near Challis, Idaho, that has substantial historic value. The site dates to one of the first mining discoveries in Idaho in the 1860s. The site and mines were periodically operated during the first part of the 20^th century and had extensive exploration work accomplished as late as the 1980s. The “ghost town” is in relatively good condition and offers considerable interest in development as a tourist and historic site to augment Idaho Parks and Recreation’s (IDPR) Yankee Fork Visitors Center and similar sites at Bonanza and Custer, Idaho.

The mines in the surrounding mountains are striking in terms of the terrain that was accessed for mining operations, the unique mining technologies used, and the wild and scenic backcountry. IDPR purchased the property to preserve a portion of Idaho history, develop the local tourist industry’s recreational base, provide a cultural experience for Idaho’s residents and visitors, and provide an access point for back country exploration.

The site is contaminated by lead and arsenic in some areas. Initial human health risk assessments indicated substantial concern with contaminant levels and potential exposures in particular areas of the site. A risk management plan was developed that is protective of the public health and environment, yet accommodates the historic nature of the site.

This presentation focuses on the site clean-up and improvements conducted under an EPA Brownfields grant to develop the site into a State Park. The project includes a tailings pile closure, repository construction, slag grading, bridge and parking lot construction and a trail system interlinking the town site with the upper mines. In April 2008, the project was bid and construction will take place in the summer of 2008.