THE DIRT: Land use transfers to support economic development and recreational opportunities in the Silver Valley

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality finalized three land transfers and a renewable lease agreement for property located within the Bunker Hill Superfund Site, helping advance local economic development and recreational opportunities.

These actions, done in partnership with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the city of Kellogg, provide almost 200 acres for public recreation and economic expansion.

“DEQ is excited to support new land use now that the cleanup work is complete for these properties,” said Dan McCracken, DEQ’s Coeur d’Alene regional office administrator. “We believe that these transfers will help provide safe outdoor recreation access and promote local economic activity throughout the area.”

William Niska, manager of the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, said the move will open exciting opportunities for recreators along the 73-mile trail, giving users a place to rest and recuperate. “We appreciate DEQ’s willingness to support something new with the campground, which will reclaim this once-damaged ground for positive public use,” he said.

“The transfer of DEQ property to the city of Kellogg is viewed as a very forward-looking asset for the local community,” said Mike Fitzgerald, public works director for the city of Kellogg.

The first transfer includes property located on the east side of Government Gulch Road. DEQ transferred the 9.8-acre parcel to a local excavating company, DG&S, providing an opportunity to construct a new facility and expand operations.

The second includes an approximately 140-acre property lease agreement with IDPR for a bike-in campground along the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. The campground will have 26 bike-in/walk-in sites, a restroom/shower house, tent pads and power hookups for recharging devices and e-bikes. Construction is planned for 2025.

The third includes a 40-acre parcel transfer to IDFG to expand an existing Wildlife Management Area north of Interstate 90 and west of the Shoshone County Airport. The added property will help improve wildlife habitat and extend recreational opportunities.

The fourth transfer allows the city of Kellogg to designate the existing Government Gulch Road, previously a private access point, as a public right of way. Transfer of approximately 4 acres to the city creates local development and recreational opportunities.

Through these land transfers, DEQ and the state of Idaho are supporting the local economy and ensuring the Silver Valley is an area where people can live, work and play.

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The Dirt is a series of informative articles focused on all aspects of cleanup efforts associated with the Bunker Hill Superfund Site. Our goal is to promote community awareness of contamination issues, to provide tools for protecting public health, and to keep the community informed of current and future cleanup projects. The Dirt is a group of committed and local experts from multiple agencies including the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Panhandle Health District, Shoshone County, Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation, and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality.