Spotlight on Salmon

Native American guide Sacajawea wouldn’t recognize her birthplace today. Salmon, Idaho – named for the famed Salmon River that flows through this high-country city – is the gateway to Salmon National Forest and is also a bustling small city that caters to the many visitors that take advantage of the region’s myriad of recreational activities.

As a gateway city, retail and recreation/outfitters businesses are numerous but it should be no surprise that the natural resource industry is a major employer. After all, 92 percent of Lemhi County is forested land. Wood products manufacturing, logging, and forestry are primary employers along with health care, cattle ranching and construction.

With dried down wood from surrounding forests plentiful, woody biomass power or a secondary wood products industry would have access to raw supply product.

Salmon is also welcoming to fledgling businesses, with its Business & Incubation Center offering modestly priced office and light manufacturing space along with shared support services.

Salmon’s charming downtown stays authentic to its history and plans are underway to build on downtown’s success. Already, a gazebo and community park has been created, leading to a beautiful new pedestrian bridge straddling the scenic river at one end of the downtown core. Phase two of these plans would have a Performing Arts Center built on the other side of the river, creating an exciting downtown destination. Next, economic development leaders hope to see a kayak park built adjacent to the new community park, enabling competitions and recreation.

Business District

This is no sleepy mountain town. Salmon is not only at the junction of two state highways, it is also a destination for many recreationalists, eager for a day on the river or a place to launch a hunting trip.

Still, Kirk Klemmer doesn’t rely on visitors for his primary trade. He custom handcrafts boots for local ranchers, rodeoers and farmers – those who appreciate this mostly bygone art. Klemmer shares his storefront with Roy Jackson, a custom hatmaker.

“We really don’t do too much with the tourists that come through,” said Klemmer. “Our business is mainly local.”

Shannon Fayle, a fifth generation Idahoan, owns The Country Candy Co. (www.thecountrycandyco.com) with her husband. They’ve done everything from ranching to owning a local grocery store. The couple opened a candy store specifically to cater to the local tourist trade.

“This is a lifestyle we want,” said Fayle. “We enjoy all the people here."

Down the street, Diane Klich is at work at the quilt shop, a part time job she took after convincing her husband to sell their Michigan farm for a new life in Idaho.

“I was thinking this place was perfect,” said Klich. “It’s spectacular. Just look out the window and see the snow-capped mountains. And as far as shopping, there’s a little bit of everything here, including some really great restaurants.”

Listen to Klich talk about how they made their decision to move to Salmon.