BLM Seeks Public Input for Blue Creek Bay Improvements
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Coeur d’Alene, ID – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has completed analysis for proposed vegetative treatments and recreation enhancements at the Wallace L. Forest Conservation Area at Blue Creek Bay east of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The Coeur d’Alene Field Office is seeking comments on the proposed activities through September 26, 2016.
The project would reduce tree stocking levels and treat hazardous fuels across approximately 616 acres within the conservation area. A combination of vegetative treatment methods would be used, including selective harvest, pre-commercial thinning, hazardous fuels reduction and prescribed burning.
All treatments would favor leaving tree species such as western larch, ponderosa pine and western white pine, which are more tolerant of disease and wildfire. Fuel breaks would also be created in areas adjacent to homes and/or structures, as well as areas that are devoid of other vegetation treatments.
No new roads are planned in the project. Instead, existing roads and old logging trails would be used. Treatments would be phased over the next six years and could begin this winter.
Some of the planned recreation enhancements include new non-motorized trails and environmental education opportunities. New trail systems on the west side of the project area would be designed for horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking in specified areas.
Parking areas are proposed as well as a single-track trail through the meadow, connecting the east and west sides. The meadow area offers wildlife viewing areas and educational opportunities.
BLM has managed the 751-acre Wallace L. Conservation Area surrounding Blue Creek Bay since 2003, providing public access to Lake Coeur d’Alene and maintaining the public lands for their conservation, recreation, and historical values.
The environmental analysis and maps of the project are available at: http://bit.ly/bluecreekbay Comments can be submitted either electronically to blm_id_bluecreekbay@blm.gov or by mail to: BLM Coeur d’Alene Field Office, attn: Blue Creek Bay Project, 3815 Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.
Before including your address, phone number, email address or other personal identifying information in your comment, please be advised that your entire comment – including personal identifying information – may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us to withhold from public review your personal identifying information, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.