News Release

For Release: May 7, 2008  
Contact:  Brian White (208) 769-5031

BLM to Reopen Blackwell Island Recreation Site

COEUR D'ALENE, ID - The gate to the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Blackwell Island Recreation Site will reopen for day use and parking beginning May 9.  The boat launch will remain closed until Friday, May 23. 

BLM will waive the $4.00 daily parking fee for use of the site from May 9 through May 22.  During this time, the public can take advantage of the many features of the site such as the wetlands boardwalk and picnic areas prior to the busy summer boating season.

Boat launch lanes at the Blackwell Island site will reopen for the season starting Friday, May 23, provided the water level of Lake Coeur d’Alene will allow for safe boat launching.   According to BLM Recreation Planner Brian White, “It has become a bit of a tradition that we help kick off the summer boating season on Lake Coeur d'Alene by reopening this great facility for the Memorial Day weekend. We hope the reopening isn’t delayed due to flood conditions from the extreme snowpack.  If this should occur, we will notify the public as soon as possible.”

BLM staff will sell seasonal parking passes at the Blackwell Island site on weekends from Memorial Day through July 6.  The $30.00 parking passes can be purchased onsite using cash or check payments only.  If you wish to use a credit card to purchase a season pass, you may do so only at the BLM Office located at 3815 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene.

Starting this season, the $30 parking pass will also be valid for use at the BLM Mineral Ridge Boat Launch.  On March 1, a $4.00 daily parking/launching fee began at the Mineral Ridge launch site. 

For more information about the opening dates at the Blackwell Island site, contact Brian White at (208)769-5031.

—BLM—