Blackwell Island recreation area opening May 26

Recreation crews for the Bureau of Land Management are readying the popular Blackwell Island boat launch and recreation site for the summer season. General site maintenance along with repairs to the docks and launch area should conclude by mid-May, allowing for an opening day of Thursday, May 26. The site will be open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Daily rates at Blackwell Island are $6 per day with fee envelopes available on-site. Season passes are $40 and include the use of both the Blackwell Island Recreation Site and the Mineral Ridge Boat Launch (day-use purchases are not redeemable toward the purchase of a season pass).

Season passes are available for purchase throughout the year at either the BLM Coeur d’Alene District office, 3815 Schreiber Way, Coeur d’Alene, or the BLM Spokane District Office, 1103 N. Fancher Road. Both offices are open from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Season passes will also be available for sale on-site at Blackwell Island on the following days:

• Saturday, May 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.;

• Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and;

• Saturday, June 11 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Checks or cash will be accepted for passes purchased on-site; no credit card sales will be available on-site. Proceeds from the sale of day use fees and season passes go directly back to the site to fund maintenance and other improvements.

Blackwell Island offers picnic tables and grills, opportunities for wildlife viewing, four boat launch lanes and 135 vehicle-with-trailer parking spots. A large-group picnic pavilion is available for rental for $30 per day. Individual picnic accommodations are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For additional information, please visit the Coeur d’Alene District Office website at: http://on.doi.gov/1GfQL3B