History of Billingsley Creek WMA

History

Billingsley Creek WMA was purchased from the McCarter Cattle Company, Inc., in September 1963, at a total cost of $60,000. Before being purchased by Idaho Fish and Game, the property served at different times as a sheep ranch, a dairy, and a muskrat farm. A Civilian Conservation Corp camp was located across the road from the south boundary of Billingsley Creek WMA. A railroad spur from Bliss to Hagerman was planned, but never completed; however, a railroad access grade was constructed and is still visible on the east side of Billingsley Creek WMA. 

The public has been provided foot access to Billingsley Creek WMA since it was purchased in 1963. Access is also available by floating Billingsley Creek. One of two irrigation pipelines that crossed Billingsley Creek about midway downstream from where the creek enters the WMA has been removed. These pipelines have been an obstacle for visitors floating down the creek. The remaining pipeline is scheduled to be modified during the winter of 2013/2014 so that it is no longer an obstacle. An administrative road exists on the east side of the property that provides the Department access for weed control and water measurements. Idaho Power has permission to use this administrative access to maintain power lines. Public vehicle access to the lower end of Billingsley Creek WMA has historically been available through private property. When this property changed ownership, the new owner no longer allowed public access to Billingsley Creek. The Department developed a new access site on the north end of the WMA that includes an access road, parking area, and exit point via stairs from the creek. 

During 2012 and 2013, a new fishing access site was developed on Billingsley Creek where it enters the south boundary of the Billingsley Creek WMA. This site includes ADA parking and restroom, a boardwalk from the parking area to a floating fishing pier, and an unloading area for tubes, canoes, kayaks, and other floating craft.