In the Spotlight: Recreation

BLM Begins Collecting Fees at Mineral Ridge Boat Launch
On March 1, the BLM Coeur d’Alene FO began charging a $4.00 daily fee for use of the Mineral Ridge Boat Launch on Lake Coeur d’Alene. A $30.00 season pass is now available and is also valid at the BLM Blackwell Island Boat Launch across the lake. The fee collection effort is the culmination of a two-year process that included public outreach, RAC coordination and internal planning and construction of an onsite fee station. Over the past five years, the boat launch site has received nearly $250,000 in upgrades, including paved parking, a new restroom and new docks. 

Implementation Projects Progress for Wilson Creek Travel Management Plan  Implementation of the Wilson Creek Travel Management Plan is progressing in the 30,700-acre Wilson Creek Recreation Area, located within the Idaho BLM Owyhee Field Office.  Placement of 500 to 600 large boulders is beginning in late February that will help define the perimeter of parking areas, protect information kiosks and assist with the closure and mitigation of routes and trails being closed to motorized vehicles.  They will also help define entrances to trails for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.  Gates are being installed on 25 administrative access routes that have been designated for use by motorized vehicles only with special permission.  Work is continuing on placement of trail markers and signs indicating routes closed to motorized vehicles.  Placement of information material on several large kiosks will be completed by the summer of 2008. 

BLM Seeks Hosts/Host Couples for Idaho Campgrounds
Hosts are needed at the following sites. Duties include visitor compliance/contacts and light maintenance. Small stipend included. Mid-May to mid-September

→ Joe T. Fallini campground. Call Jeff Christenson at 208 879-6212 or Warren Trogden at 208 879-6241 for job descriptions or email Jeff Christenson or Warren Trogden.
→ Shoup Bridge Campground. Call Rob Jaggers at 208 756-5466 or email Rob Jaggers.  


Funds being Sought for New Trail Project in Boise Ridge-to-Rivers Partnership Biker in Boise Foothills
Funding for the Five Mile Gulch – Curlew Connector Trail is being sought through a grant application to Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and matching funds by BLM, USFS and the City of Boise. The Curlew Connector is a new 2-mile trail project that would connect the 520-acre Noble Reserve and Five Mile Gulch area. This trail would add additional public recreation opportunities for trails and public land usage in the backdrop of continued rapid residential development. The Curlew Connector would add more than 100 miles of trails to the Ridge-to-Rivers trail system located in the Boise Foothills and along the Boise River Greenbelt. Acceptance of the grant application will be announced during the spring 2008.