BLM hopes to install digital payment at Blackwell Island
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 8 years, 4 months AGO
Courtesy photo Boaters wait to launch on a sunny day at the Bureau of Land Management’s Blackwell Island in Coeur d’Alene. BLM is hoping to make visits to the popular boat launch and recreation site more convenient by installing automated fee machines that would accept credit and debit cards for the parking fees, eliminating the need for cash and checks.
COEUR d’ALENE — The Bureau of Land Management Coeur d’Alene Field Office is hoping to make the public’s visit to the popular Blackwell Island boat launch and recreation site a bit more convenient.
Blackwell Island is a fee site and payment for the $6 parking fee has traditionally been by cash or check only. The BLM hopes to provide more flexibility and convenience for users by installing two automated machines that would accept day-use fee payments by either credit or debit card, eliminating the need for cash.
According to a recent news release from the BLM, the Coeur d'Alene office plans to submit a request to the Idaho Parks and Recreation Waterways grant program for partner funds to assist with procuring and installing the automated fee systems. If successful, boaters and other recreationists would be able to take advantage of the new service during the 2018 season.
The field office is also seeking feedback on the proposal to add the automated fee machines. Input can be emailed to [email protected].
BLM’s Blackwell Island is one of the primary sites providing the public access to the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene for boating, fishing and other recreational opportunities. More than 40,000 visitors use the site each season from late May through early October. All funds collected from fees at Blackwell Island are retained and used specifically at the site for maintenance and site improvements.