SANDPOINT — During Tuesday’s business meeting, Bonner County’s Parks and Waterways Department was approved to enter into an online reservation contract regarding Garfield Bay Campground. The department was also approved for two Recreational Trail Program grants.  

Contracting with Firefly Reservations, an online reservation software used by the public to make camping reservations at participating campgrounds, is expected to save the county $50 per month while allowing Parks and Waterways an easier route for cancelling reservations, if necessary.  

The county originally contracted with Reserve America, a widely used platform for reserving campsites nationwide. According to Parks and Waterways Director Matt Zoeller, Firefly Reservations is the sister company to Reserve America, which are both owned by Aspira.  

Garfield Bay Campground will still populate when searched on the Reserve America website but will push users over to Firefly Reservation's site at the time of check-out.  

No additional costs are said to occur with the switch.  

The department was also approved for two RTP grants, one for Priest Lake Groomers and the other for Sandpoint 9B Groomers.  

The grant for Priest Lake Groomers was approved for $58,000. A match of 20%, or $11,600, will be contributed to the grant by the self-sustaining Priest Lake Groomer’s budget. The grooming program, according to Zoeller, is self-sustaining and does not take county funds.  

Funds from the grant will be used to purchase a UTV with a wheeled/track kit to help with trail maintenance throughout the year.  

“This includes tree removal from trails and brushing alongside trails. This allows the opportunity for volunteers to get out ahead of the groomers to help with the efficiency of our grooming program and keeping trails safe,” Zoeller said.  

An additional grant of $48,000 was approved for Sandpoint 9B Groomers, with a grant match of $9,600 from Sandpoint Groomers.  

The RTP grant will be used to purchase a one-ton service body pickup truck to serve as a pilot vehicle for groomers, fuel, snow grooming equipment, and tools, among other purposes. The truck, according to a memorandum submitted to the county, is an essential piece of equipment and would add much value to the grooming program.