Lending a hand in Post Falls

POST FALLS - Carl Lovick has the funding to make improvements to Falls and Q'emiln parks.

Now, all he needs are the volunteers.

The Post Falls resident and director of operations for the faith-based nonprofit Wilderness International secured a $4,800 grant from the Laura Jane Musser Fund for trail restoration, erosion control, fencing and signage.

As a requirement for the grant, Lovick must utilize the funds by the end of September.

"We want to work with other groups such as Boy Scouts, churches and climbers and individuals," Lovick said. "We're not going to turn away help. We're all about partnering with people."

Lovick said he has worked with the city on a project priority list for the parks, and the city will provide tools if needed.

"The grant is written vaguely, so there's a lot of freedom on what to do," he said. "But there's more projects than we have funding for."

Lovick said Q'emiln and Falls parks are widely used and he wants to ensure they are safe.

"A lot of people don't use the trails like they should," he said, adding that such usage can create unsafe conditions. "One of the trails (in Q'emiln) is a road for fire crews, and it's overgrown (with vegetation). Improved trail access will increase the use of the climbing area of the park."

Work days will be scheduled after volunteers come forward.

Lovick earlier secured a grant for owl boxes in the Highlands Golf Course area.

Wilderness International, based in Canby, Ore., is dedicated toward conservation projects. Information: www.wildernessintl.com

Lovick is trying to get a North Idaho chapter of Wilderness International started.

Information: Lovick, 818-0840 or [email protected].

How to help

Those interested in helping make improvements to Falls and Q'emiln parks in Post Falls by utilizing a grant secured by the nonprofit Wilderness International should contact Carl Lovick at 818-0840 or [email protected].