Mineral Ridge Scenic Area to be temporarily closed
<p>In this July 19, 2011 file photo, Harold Smith hikes down the Mineral Ridge Nature Trail during one of his twice weekly outings to the popular hiking area. Recreation managers for the Bureau of Land Management will issue a temporary closure order for the Mineral Ridge Trail for hazard tree removal beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, March 16, and continuing through 6:00 a.m. Thursday, March 19.</p>
A popular hiking trail and recreation area will be closed for several days next week to allow for the removal of hazardous trees.
Mineral Ridge Scenic Area and Mineral Ridge Trail will be closed all day Monday through 6 a.m. Thursday, March 19, by order of the recreation managers for the Bureau of Land Management's Coeur d'Alene office.
During the temporary closure, crews will be working to remove trees identified as potential safety hazards to users of the recreation area.
The closure applies to the parking area, picnic shelter, hiking trails and surrounding BLM-managed lands within the recreation area.
According to a BLM press release announcing the closure, the Mineral Ridge Scenic Area draws thousands of visitors throughout the year and the decision to temporarily close the area was not taken lightly.
"Public safety is the highest priority for the Coeur d'Alene field office, and ensuring the work can be completed expeditiously and without threat to the public necessitated the closure," stated the release.
Recreation managers encourage the public to visit the Blue Creek Bay area, as an alternative hiking and recreation spot. The area is located just a few miles north of Mineral Ridge and offers several hiking options, a day-use picnic area and fishing docks.
For more information, visit http://on.doi.gov/1FOnhs7.