RATHDRUM - The city of Rathdrum will hold an informal public open house today to gather input on use of its 556 acres on Rathdrum Mountain.

The open house will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Lakeland High School.

"The goal of this public involvement process is to be inclusive as possible, ensuring that all voices with a vested interest in how Rathdrum Mountain is managed can be heard," states a press release from JUB Engineers, which the city hired to shepherd the public input process.

A final report summarizing the findings of the open house, stakeholder interviews held in May and an online survey will be provided to the City Council in September. The City Council will use the information when deciding how to move forward.

"We interviewed more than 25 different stakeholders, including adjacent and nearby property owners, representatives from the city Parks and Recreation Commission, Rathdrum Area Chamber of Commerce, sheriff's office, Lakeland School District, North Idaho STEM Charter Academy, Rathdrum Senior Center, Kootenai Technical Education Campus, Idaho Department of Lands, Inland Paper Company, the city's consultant forester, Friends of Rathdrum Mountain and local business owners," said Brad Marshall of JUB Engineers.

City officials will be available at the open house to answer questions, provide information and receive comments.

No formal presentations are scheduled. Attendees can drop by the open house any time during the three hours.

City officials have expressed an interest in lightly developing the mountain site for recreational opportunities now that it won a land dispute, allowing the city access to the site.

"With ownership of this beautiful piece of property, the city has an obligation to manage the property in a way that best serves the community," said Brett Boyer, city administrator.

However, opponents have voiced concerns about vandalism, wildfire danger and possible impacts to wildlife. Some also believe this area already has ample recreation opportunities.

The site is not yet open to the public. Boyer said if there's interest from the public in taking a tour of the mountain site, those interested should call him at 687-0261.

For more information on the mountain process, visit www.rathdrum.org.Questions can be directed to Brad Marshall at bmarshall@jub.com or 762-8787.