Mineral Ridge closing for rehab

The popular Mineral Ridge scenic trail system will temporarily close this spring to remove residual trees from the mid-January windstorm, officials said. 

In a Bureau of Land Management release Wednesday, the agency said that even the heaviest traffic Mineral Ridge Scenic Area and National Recreation Trail was not left untouched by the storm that rocked the five northern counties. Two months later, BLM said the path of downed trees has started to impact the trail system and adjacent public lands, putting them at risk for disease and bug infestations. 

"It's not in good shape," said Suzanne Endsley, public affairs officer for the Bureau of Land Management's Coeur d'Alene District. "It's shocking. I went out there, and it looked like a bomb went off."

In total, Endsley said BLM is estimating about 200,000 board feet of timber fell due to the storm. On top of that, there are trees still standing that were hit, lost a top, or damaged to the point they pose risk for hikers if not removed. 

"It's tragic," Endsley said. "That was my first trail too when I first moved here. Everybody loves Mineral Ridge, and that's why we need to take care of it. We would hate to see it burned or infested with bugs and then lose more trees."

Bug infestations, like from pine engraver beetles, are among the main concerns the BLM is trying to subdue, Endsley said. The beetles have a particular fondness for the ponderosa pine that make Mineral Ridge a fan favorite. 

"The majority of the material is ponderosa pine which gets a specific beetle, the pine engraver beetle, that will move in," Endsley said. "It can affect the down pines and move into the healthy trees, so we have to move quickly."

To prevent the fallen trees from harming the area's natural health and recover the dead timber's value, the BLM Coeur d'Alene Field Office plans a salvaged timber sale. The logging operation will predominantly focus on windblown trees, but Endsley said it will also include surrounding standing trees damaged in the storm. 

Although BLM has not set a date for closure, the agency is planning to begin tree removal in early April, weather permitting. Completing the project, and necessary rehabilitation of the trail system, is anticipated to span up to three weeks, Endsley said.

The trail will be completely closed to the public during the salvage logging efforts, including the Mineral Ridge parking lot, picnic shelter, restrooms, and all trail systems within the closure boundary. 

"We recognize that any closure to the Mineral Ridge trail system is going to disappoint outdoor recreationists, however, in order for us to safely complete work at the site, it is necessary," said Scott Pavey, acting Coeur d'Alene Field Office Manager.

In the meantime, BLM is recommending the Blue Creek Bay recreation site and BLM John C. Pointer Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary trail systems for alternative scenic hikes. 

"We will monitor the logging activity and reopen the trail and recreation area as soon as it is safe to do so," Pavey said. "We appreciate the public's cooperation and understanding of the closure, and we hope to provide an even better recreation experience when the work is complete."

Info: https://www.blm.gov/visit/mineral-ridge-scenic-area-and-national-recreation-trail