BLM’s Blackwell Island seasonal closure begins October 11
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COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – The annual seasonal closure for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Blackwell Island boat launch and recreation area will begin Tuesday, Oct. 11. Boaters wishing to use the launch lanes to remove watercraft for the season should do so by the evening of Oct. 10. The popular site will re-open just before the Memorial Day weekend next May.
From mid-October through May, boaters are encouraged to use the BLM’s Mineral Ridge boat launch on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene, which is open year-round. Day passes are $6 per day or the annual $40 season pass covers parking at both Mineral Ridge boat launch and the Blackwell Island recreation area. Season passes can be purchased by contacting the BLM Coeur d’Alene District Office at 208-769-5000.
BLM’s Blackwell Island is a popular dog walking site during the off season; however, users are reminded to not park directly in front of the main entrance gate to allow maintenance personnel access to the site. Dog walkers and other walk-in visitors are encouraged to use the highway parking area just south of the main gate at the intersection of Highway 95 and Fairmont Loop Road.
Proceeds from the collection of fees at BLM recreation sites go directly back to the facilities to fund maintenance and other improvements for the public’s benefit. In recent years, fees have supported seal coating and restriping parking lots as well as launch repairs.
For additional information about BLM’s Blackwell Island Recreation Site call (208) 769-5000 or visit: https://www.blm.gov/visit/blackwell-island
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.