You can count on Tubbs

COEUR d’ALENE — The numbers are in and they add up to one thing: Tubbs Hill is well loved and well used.

A trail counter installed last year on the popular hiking hill on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene tallied more than 155,000 people in the first six months of 2022, significantly more than previously estimated.

Year-round, it’s believed more than 200,000 walked or ran the trails that wind around the 165 acres of public land.

“It certainly is something that’s important to our community as a resource, but also to those visitors to our community,” said Mayor Jim Hammond during Tuesday's City Council meeting in the Library Community Room.

Tubbs Hill Foundation Chairman George Sayler presented a brief report to the council.

Sayler said people sometimes question the health of the hill because they see dead trees and snags, particularly on the eastside, but those have ecosystem benefits.

Tubbs is home to ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, Western white pine and larch trees.

“I would say the emphasis is on the preservation of the hill in its natural state. At the same time, allowing for compatible public use,” he said. “Those two sometimes come into conflict. Generally when there is conflict involved, it’s some kind of commercial interest, which we always say no to. It’s a public place for public use.”

According to the foundation’s annual report:

• 950 feet of new trail was constructed to replace trails with erosion issues.
• Over 2.2 miles of trails were trimmed to remove invasive species.
• More than 100 white pine and larch seedlings were planted.
• Five active osprey nests on the hill were monitored.
• More than 100 Friends of Tubbs Hill members participated in 14 trail-related projects with 607 hours of volunteer time, calculated to be worth nearly $16,000.

Councilwoman Christie Wood said while most members of Friends of Tubbs Hill are retired, they clear trails, dig new ones and saw fallen logs — all physically demanding tasks.

“It’s amazing. You’re all out there all the time, cleaning it up and taking care of it,” Wood said.

Mark Weadick, a THF director, wrote that due to the prolonged dry period throughout the summer, western pine beetles caused some ponderosa pine mortality on the south hillside.

He said evidence of bark beetle attacks on the ponderosa pine and Douglas fir can be seen when walking on the hill by noting the bark that has been removed by woodpeckers going after the insect’s larvae.

In contrast, he wrote, surviving white pine and larch planted on the north hillside a decade ago are well established and can be seen from the Main Loop Trail.

"Daily commuters can thank the THF and its many Friends’ ongoing efforts to keep Tubbs Hill as the best show on Third Street," Weadick wrote in the annual report.

As the sun was setting late Tuesday afternoon, many were still heading out or returning at the trailhead at McEuen Park.

Sayler said a town hall meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. April 20 at the Library Community Room to present information on Tubbs Hill, volunteer opportunities and a video tour of the hill.