Blue Creek Bay parking area damaged by vandalism

COEUR d’ALENE — When vandalism occurs at public recreation sites, it is not only disappointing but also costly to everyone.

Funds that Bureau of Land Management (BLM) recreation managers would have spent on upgrades or new amenities for the public’s benefit now have to be shifted to offset the cost of repairs caused by reckless vandals.

Over the past several months, vandals have targeted the BLM’s Blue Creek Bay trailhead parking area, stealing 2-inch-diameter rope used to separate pylons, shooting bullet holes in signs, removing retaining wall pavers and destroying the inside of the vault toilet. The trailhead and the lower level day-use picnic area have been vandalized in the past as well.

The site is a “no fee” area, so no revenue is generated that could directly cover the cost of repairs. Instead, recreation managers will have to pull funding planned for improvements at other locations in order to remedy the senseless acts of vandalism that have occurred at Blue Creek Bay.

The Blue Creek Bay trails have become more popular over the past several years with the installation of the parking area and facilities. Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian riders frequent the area. Recreation managers hope the increased presence of users at the site will help eventually curb some of the vandalism.

In the interim, the BLM Coeur d’Alene Field Office asks for the public’s assistance with helping curtail vandalism at the site. To report vandalism occurring or that has occurred, please contact either the field office recreation staff at (208) 769-5015, or the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, (208) 446-1300.