Registration for veterans eagle cruise starts Friday

COEUR d’ALENE — To honor military veterans and active duty personnel, the Bureau of Land Management is once again taking reservations for two bald eagle watch cruises for veterans on Lake Coeur d’Alene next month.

The BLM has partnered with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises to offer the two cruises on Dec. 5.

The event is offered free of charge to veterans, active duty personnel and their families who have never participated in the cruises before. Registration is required and party size is limited to 6 persons. Registration will begin at 9 a.m. this Friday only.

A morning cruise is offered from 10 a.m. to noon as well as an afternoon cruise from 1 to 3 p.m. Both cruises offer participants bird's-eye views of America’s national symbol, the bald eagle, in flight above Lake Coeur d’Alene and perched on public lands near Mineral Ridge.

Reservations are not taken in advance and may only be made through the BLM’s Coeur d'Alene District Office, not through Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises.

Because of their popularity, the cruises typically fill within two to three hours. Interested participants are asked to call either (208) 769-5004 or (208) 769-5011 to reserve seating.

Because the cruises fill quickly, the current status of available seating will be posted on the BLM’s Coeur d’Alene District website at http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/Districts-Idaho/CDA.html as well as BLM's Idaho Facebook page. Veterans are encouraged to check one of these sites before calling.

Participants are encouraged to dress warmly and to bring binoculars and cameras. Food and beverages are available for purchase on board.