Located along Martin Lane off Broadford Rd, the Howard Preserve is a 35-acre section of land alongside the beautiful Big Wood River in Bellevue, Idaho. To access the preserve it is best to park on Elm Street then follow the road down and enter the preserve.
In a collaborative effort between the Howard family, the City of Bellevue, and the Friends of the Howard Preserve, the Wood River Land Trust (WRLT) successfully safeguarded 12.5 acres of precious Big Wood River floodplain, nestled closely to Bellevue. Since 1972, the Howard family had stewarded this land, nurturing a vision of long-term preservation. Through concerted efforts, including securing grant funding and establishing a conservation easement, this parcel is now perpetually protected. In 2012, an opportunity arose to expand the urban sanctuary with the acquisition of 1.38 acres at the southern boundary of the Preserve, further fortifying the buffer against encroachment into the Big Wood River floodplain.
FISHING ALLOWED, NO HUNTING
This protected piece of land within the Big Wood River floodplain has been owned by the Howard family since 1972. It is now part of a conservation easement, which protects the property in perpetuity. The preserve is an important piece of land so close to downtown Bellevue that provides public access to the river, as well as protecting the land and wildlife.
The public can explore the preserve via a few short hiking trails. You’ll come across some great fishing spots as you travel alongside the river. There is also an irrigation diversion that forms a small waterfall and is a scenic site.
