COEUR d'ALENE - Fall is a great time to get outdoors, enjoy the stunning display of autumn colors and recreate on public lands in the Coeur d'Alene area.

Fall also means it's time for the Bureau of Land Management recreation crews to prepare sites for the winter. To help you prepare for your fall outing, the BLM Coeur d'Alene Field Office would like to advise you of the current status of popular recreation sites in the area.

The BLM Blackwell Island Boat Launch and Recreation Site are closed and winterized for the season. Typically, the site closes for the season mid-October due to low lake water levels, but due to the recent government shutdown, the area was closed early on Oct. 1, and will not reopen until late May.

Mineral Ridge Scenic Trail and Mineral Ridge Boat Launch are open year-round. Water is not available at the trailhead. An annual pass or daily fee of $6 is required for the Mineral Ridge Boat Launch.

The Blue Creek Recreation Area and Trailhead are open year-round, but neither of the parking areas are plowed in the winter. A great new trail system at Blue Creek offers spectacular fall colors while hiking or mountain biking. A trail map is available online at the BLM Coeur d'Alene Field Office website.

Killarney Lake Boat Launch and campground remains open, but the water system has been winterized for the season.

Beauty Bay Recreation Site is open for use. Again, water is not available. The water system at Mica Bay Boaters Park has also been shut down for the season.

The Huckleberry Campground on the St. Joe River is open, but the water system will be winterized this week.

For more information visit the BLM Coeur d'Alene Field Office website or contact the office at 769-5000.