KTVB

Thousand Springs is Idaho's newest state park.

HAGERMAN -- A stretch of scenic canyon wall along the Snake River in the Magic Valley has become Idaho’s newest state park.

You can already gain access to a breath-taking view of Thousand Springs.

"We're giving this gift to all Idahoans. And we're doing it because we believe in leaving a legacy of future generations to experience the unique history, the scenic beauty, the abundant wildlife of this special place," said Laura Hubbard, The Nature Conservancy.

In a special meeting today with Governor Jim Risch, The Nature Conservancy gave the state 310 acres of the Thousand Springs Preserve near Hagerman to be used as Idaho's newest state park.

"This is really an outstanding addition to the state park system, and it protects the last free-flowing springs that are available to the public," said Risch.

The preservation of the area has been in the works since The Nature Conservancy purchased it from the Ritter family in 1986.

It's a stretch of property that includes Ritter Island, two miles of riverfront along the Snake River and many springs and creeks.

"Ritter Island is a place about water. Water that sinks into the ground at the lava fields by Craters of the Moon 200 years ago, bursts out of the walls of the canyon at Ritter Island, a place that's full of history. Native Americans worked and lived here. The Oregon Trail passed here. Our historic farms and ranches began here. This is a place that's special to all Idahoans, and we're honored to give it as a legacy," said Hubbard.

And besides the property itself, the Conservancy is also providing a $1 million endowment fund, which can only be used to pay for management of the new park.

The area is already open to the public - to be used and enjoyed by generations to come.

"I think somebody mentioned that the falls probably is one of the most photographed things in the state of Idaho. If you have a camera, you can't help but take a picture of it.That's just the way it is," said Risch.

Thousand Springs State Park now becomes the fourth state park within about a 10-mile stretch of the Snake River in the Magic Valley.