Don’t pass this place by

Photos and Story

By BILL BULEY

Staff Writer

On Highway 97, shortly before arriving in Harrison, a weathered barn and silo arose.

From a distance, it looked like they must have hundreds of stories to tell. I could not just pass by.

So, my wife and I decided we wanted to know about about this place and pulled into a small, two-space parking area.

We found what we were after.

To our delight, we learned we had come across the Elkhorn Flats Wildlife Mitigation Unit. We were welcome to wander, foot traffic only, per the sign.

The sign also made it clear that no off-road vehicles were allowed, neither were weapons. We were good to go as I wasn’t carrying rifles or bows or explosives,

And camping was off-limits, which was fine since we didn’t plan on spending the night.

Still, it was a majestic piece of property and as we were guests, we made sure to follow the rules. And there was something special about this place. I can’t pinpoint what it was. But something made us walk around carefully, respectfully.

Out back, down a sloping hill, a dark and mysterious pond awaited. It had a surprising number of ducks and geese, all of which scattered as I approached.

When the rain began to fall and it suddenly seemed to be getting darker, I headed back to the barn and walked through old doorways and painted-peeled doors.

Life here, once, had to be colorful and vibrant. Sweat and muscle made this place.

The view, from inside and out, was mesmerizing.

As rain began falling harder, we headed for the car.

We read more on the sign.

It’s also home to a biomass removal project, per the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Bonneville Power Administration.

The sign told us the removal of hay mimics the effects of natural fires; reduces build-up of fuels to decrease possible wildfire; allowed quicker green-up in fall providing additional forage and helps control noxious weeds.

If you’re driving by, stop. You may see more than what meets the eye.