Cd'A Leaf-fest kicks off Nov. 16

Coeur d’Alene’s street department starts Leaf-fest on Monday, Nov. 16, its annual free tradition of collecting leaves and pine needles.

Residents may start raking leaves onto the street Nov. 1.

Crews will begin the pick-up south of Sherman Avenue and work their way north from west to east. Last year, leaf collection was completed in 10 days as the street department hauled 791 dump truck loads of leaves totaling 1,688 tons.

As in years past, an online map providing frequent updates on Leaf-fest ’15 will be posted on the city’s website (cdaid.org), Facebook page (facebook.com/CDAgov) and blog.

City officials offered these Leaf-fest tips for residents:

• Have your leaves on the street by Nov. 1.

• Move cars off the street if at all possible during leaf pick-up.

• Keep the leaves about one foot off the curb line to facilitate storm water flow.

• Be alert for leaf pick-up equipment traveling through your neighborhood.

• Keep a safe distance away from leaf pick-up heavy equipment.

• Recognize that crews have a tough job to do in a very short window between when the leaves falling and when the snow flies.

• Understand that city and private trucks are exempted from covering loads during the leaf pick-up period. Sweepers will follow city trucks to collect remaining/excess leaves.

Don’t:

• Place bagged leaves in street.

• Mix branches, rubble or other refuse in with the leaves.

• Miss the deadline. Crews only have time for one pass.

For more information, visit streets.cdaid.org or call 208-769-2233.