Blackwell Point views - for a price

There was a time, Jim MacDonald recalled, when the people of Bayview would visit Blackwell Point free of charge, feed the rabbits and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Pend Oreille.

But those days are long gone, he said.

Trees and brush have obscured the vista, and the viewpoint - on the tip of the peninsula between Scenic and Idlewilde bays - is now within the boundaries of Farragut State Park.

To reach the spot, visitors must pay a $4 park entry fee or buy an annual pass.

"It makes sense to open that up to the public," said MacDonald, a 60-year Bayview resident and former president of the city's chamber of commerce.

He suggests a volunteer workforce clear the trees at Blackwell, and calls for free access to the viewpoint.

MacDonald proposed his ideas on Wednesday at an Idaho Fish and Game meeting in Coeur d'Alene.

Idaho Fish and Game owns about one-third of the park, including Blackwell Point. The department plans to remove trees on the property.