Limited services available at BLM recreation sites

COEUR d'ALENE - Seasonal closures are under way at Bureau of Land Management recreation sites throughout North Idaho.

Recreation crews are preparing area BLM recreation areas for the winter season, and beginning this week water and most electrical services will be turned off at the following BLM recreation areas: Beauty Bay day-use area; Mineral Ridge Scenic Area and National Historic Trail; and Huckleberry Campground along the St. Joe River.

The gate was closed Nov. 1 at the Beauty Bay day-use area until spring. Additionally, electrical services for the Huckleberry campground will be curtailed and limited to the west end of the campground for the winter. Blackwell Island Boat Launch is also closed for the season.

The Mineral Ridge trail remains open for public use throughout the year; however, like other BLM sites, including Blue Creek Bay day-use area, the sites are not maintained during the winter months.

Recreation areas maintained by BLM's Coeur d'Alene District typically reopen in April, although opening dates for facilities with boat launches vary depending upon lake levels in the spring.

Information: Kurt Pindel, Outdoor Recreation Planner, 769-5015