COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho — The mid-January windstorm that swept through the Inland Northwest left many downed trees in the popular Mineral Ridge Scenic Area and National Recreation Trail in Coeur d'Alene.
The trail system will be fully closed for the duration of the tree removal for the safety of the public. There will be heavy machinery used in the removal process.
The closure is expected to begin in early April, Idaho Bureau of Land Management Spokesperson Suzanne Endsley said in a press release. There is no exact date for the first day of the closure, as it will vary depending on weather conditions. The process is expected to last up to three weeks.
In addition to the trails, the Mineral Ridge parking lot, picnic area and restroom will be closed for the duration of the removal. To access an entire map of the closed areas, visit BLM's website.
Endsley said it is important to start the removal process in a timely manner to prevent bug infestations, preserve the value of the fallen timber and reduce the threat of future wildfires. The operation will primarily focus on the downed tree removal. It will also address standing trees that are at risk of falling after being damaged by the storm.
In a press release, the BLM listed some alternative hiking trials outdoor recreationists can enjoy while the Mineral Ridge trail is closed. The Blue Creek Bay recreation site in the Wallace Forest Conservation Area is located a few miles north of Mineral Ridge off Yellowstone Trail Road. Also, the John C. Pointer Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary trail system in Cougar Bay is located West of Lake Coeur d’Alene and ends in a viewpoint overlooking Coeur d'Alene.
