08/10/2026
Reflection from this weekend's Winnimucca bridge project.
"Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently." — Marie Forleo
This project started in 2021 as a potential habitat improvement project for spawning Anadromous fish. (Salmon, Steelhead)
As well as Cutthroat and Bulltrout, among other species.
MVTMA started working on this project in 2023 and partnered with Snake River Trails Alliance in 2025 to write a grant to Yamaha Outdoors
for help to cover the cost of the bridge.
That fall with a letter of dealer support from our local Yamaha dealer, Adventure Motorsports of Twin Falls and an overview letter of the need for a bridge from MVTMA and the Salmon Challis NF the grant was submitted and we waited.🫣
We learned we had received the grant this spring and were surprised to learn Yamaha was so impressed with the project they would cover the cost of the bridge entirely!🤯
The excitement was palpable as word spread access to multiple use single track and 50" routes would be preserved for the future with the addition of this bridge.
Other volunteer groups quickly organized to supply man power and know how to get the bridge built.
Early Supporter Tread Lightly covered the cost of a new trailhead kiosk and we were set!
The helicopter was scheduled and dates set!😃 Unfortunately the helicopter was redirected to fire support in another state two weeks prior to the event and we learned we would have to move the bridge components from the staging area for the flight, to the build site.
The task was not easy, but with ingenuity and a can do attitude IDPR, SCNF and MVTMA members began the process of moving the materials Monday August 3rd, with the last materials getting to the build site Friday.
Gabions were set and beams installed Friday.
Close to 40 volunteers assembled the bridge and Kiosk Saturday, and dirt ramps completed Saturday evening, a full day ahead of projections!
We would like to thank the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, their staff Brian DiLenge and Mike Robinson. Your dedication to multiple use trails is unmatched! 🫡
Salmon challis national forest, with equipment support and manpower.
Idaho Single Track Alliance (ISTA) and their members for showing up with your know how and experience.🙌
Challis community trails and their support with food and manpower.
Tread Lightly for the donation of the kiosk sign.
Pierson Dirtwork Services for supplying Friday's dinner.
Big Fatty's Bar-B-Que and Justin Abramowski for your donation of meats for the event!
Ballard cheese for parm and curds.🧀
Snake River Trails Alliance (SRTA) for the grant partnership, event meal cost donation and your manpower.
MVTMA and their members for seeing this project through, meal preparation and hours of discussion and planning. It has all paid off!🏁
Last but not least Yamaha Outdoors, without their support this project may not have happened.
MVTMA would like to thank all of you for your continued involvement and dedication to our future multiple use access!
