|
Camas County is the least
populated county in the state of Idaho.
The total population for Camas County is under 1,000
residents. The largest primary employment sector in Camas County is
agriculture (27.3%). Along
with more traditional production practices, some producers grow
certified organic hay and grain and try to sell their products
in a niche market. The
Specialty Shop, in Fairfield, is an organic foods outlet
offering dried fruits and nuts, candies, legumes, spices,
coffees, teas, flours, and gifts. They handle Camas Prairie
Flour, which is made from Camas Prairie organic hard red spring
wheat. Besides agriculture, the other major employers within the
county are the government and the school district.
There are 65 full-time and 20 part-time government
employees in the county. Thirty-seven residents are employed by
the school system, including full & part time teachers,
secretaries, cooks, bus drivers, and janitors.
Because agriculture can no longer "pay all the
bills" and because of the closure of the saw mill (a major
employer) in 1972, the community has been looking for alternate
sources of income in order to keep the Camas County economy
healthy. Recreational opportunities in the community are being
identified and promoted. These activities include golfing,
fishing, hunting, bird watching, skiing, playing horseshoes,
snowmobileing, photography, rock hunting, star gazing, wildlife
watching, lily looking and exploring historical sites.
Within Fairfield there are numerous economic and health
establishments. The
new Medical Clinic, opened May 2000, serves residents three days
per week with a dentist, chiropractor, physician, nurse
practitioner, and massage therapist taking patients.
The new clinic also has a life-flight landing pad.
There are 3 to 5 restaurants open in town on any given
day. Other
businesses in town are the bar, market, sporting goods store,
feed store, commodities broker, grain mill, county newspaper,
and community childcare. Camas
County has one motel: Elk Ridge Mountain Inn with 18 beds.
Soldier Mountain Ranch & Resort, west of town, rents
condominiums when not in use by the owner.
Other businesses not located within the city of Fairfield
are the ski resort (only open in the winter), machine shop, and
High Country Fusion, producing specialty pipefittings.
Many residents who live in the county commute to work in
neighboring counties.
Pictures by Beulah Baldwin
Articles/Publications
Activities
To Do and See in Fairfield, Idaho Area
Community Pride
|
