COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho - The boating season on Lake Coeur d’Alene is drawing to a close and the annual seasonal closure of BLM’s Blackwell Island boat launch and recreation site will begin at the end of the day on Monday, Oct. 14.
Reduced lake levels due to the annual drawdown of Lake Coeur d’Alene inhibit the ability to launch watercraft from the site. Boaters are encouraged to use BLM’s Mineral Ridge boat launch located on the east side of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Mineral Ridge is open year-round and the annual season pass covers both Blackwell Island and Mineral Ridge. Daily rates are $6/day.
Blackwell Island is expected to open for the summer season just before Memorial Day weekend in May. Opening dates fluctuate depending upon spring runoff flows.
Season passes that cover both Mineral Ridge boat launch and Blackwell Island are available for purchase for $40 at either the BLM Coeur d’Alene District Office located at 3815 Schreiber Way in Coeur d’Alene or the Spokane District Office located at 1103 N. Fancher Road in Spokane, Washington. Both offices are open from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Proceeds from the use fees go directly back to the site to fund maintenance and other improvements for the public’s benefit. In recent years, fees have supported seal coating and restriping parking lots, dock repair and revamping the nature trail boardwalk.
For additional information about BLM’s Blackwell Island Recreation Site call (208) 769-5000 or visit: https://www.blm.gov/visit/blackwell-island
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Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
