Boise Briefing: Reserved Parks; Larger Idaho; Legal Hemp

Today's Boise Briefing is packed with the news from around the city and valley. For those leaving the city for a little recreation, plan ahead as reservations may be needed. If one group has their plan approved, Boise residents could stay within the state all the way to the coast. If the family wishes to stay in town, Ann Morrison Park will be more attractive after some improvements. Hemp may be legalized while schools are struggling with the mental health of students.

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1. As the summer nears, Boise residents will want to depart the City of Trees for a little vacation. Take note though, it you are heading for Glacier, Yosemite or Rocky Mountain national parks, reservations may be needed according to a report by Boise State Public Radio.

The National Park Service is expecting a record number of visitors to hit the gates of these popular places and new programs are in place to make sure things run smoothly.

2. Boise residents would have Idaho neighbors all the way to coast if a group advocating the Gem State extends the state's borders can muster votes for the plan according to Oregonlive.com. The group, Move Oregon's Border For A Greater Idaho, pitched the idea to Idaho lawmakers of adding three-fourths of Oregon to Idaho.

3. Ann Morrison Park is one bright spot in Boise and a report by BoiseDev.com states the park is receiving some upgrades including replacing the park's water fountain, renovating the clocktower, improving signage and improving the takeout point for river floaters.

4. Idaho may soon be the final state in the Union to legalize hemp according to the Idaho Capital Sun news organization. If passed by the legislature, the new law would legalize industrial hemp for licensed farmers, handlers and transporters. Idaho remains the lone state where hemp is not legal.

5. IdEdNews.org is running an interesting series regarding mental health in schools. With education closed around the state due to the pandemic for a significant period of time, the series takes a look at methods used around the state, including Boise, to ensure our children are handling the situation.

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