BLM seeks input on obstacles or structures adjacent to West Fork Pine Creek route

PINEHURST — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking input during a 30-day public comment period on an environmental assessment of man-made obstacles or structures adjacent to the West Fork Pine Creek motorized route in an area known as the “rollercoaster," a press release said.

These BLM public lands are managed by the Coeur d’Alene field office, and are located more than eight miles south of Pinehurst, west of Kellogg, in the Idaho Panhandle’s Shoshone County. 

There are about 60 structures stretching roughly three-fourths of one mile, such as excavated pits, large boulders, cut and cabled logs, as well as extensive dirt work to reinforce the structures, which can only be navigated by extreme off-road vehicles. 

While difficult, motorists in high-clearance vehicles can drive around the structures that are adjacent to the existing route, the release said. However, the structures may restrict access to full-sized vehicles, which are allowed annually on the West Fork Pine Creek route from January 1 to August 24. The route allows non-motorized use year-round.

The project area is within the larger Rochat Divide/Pine Creek Special Recreation Management Area, which is set aside to provide outdoor opportunities focused on community, tourism, and undeveloped or dispersed recreation. This analysis does not change the route designation or alter any existing public access within this area.

The public has been asking BLM to do an analysis, as the structures were constructed without the required study of how they might impact wildlife, plants and pollinators, cultural resources or recreation, the release said.

The BLM has developed a range of alternatives to be studied, including no action, eliminating the structures, or maintaining the structures. All alternatives would maintain the current West Fork Pine Creek route designation and keep it seasonally open to full-size vehicles.

\Written comments on the West Fork Pine Creek Route Structures Environment Assessment may be submitted through the project website at the BLM National NEPA Register. For your comment to be included in the analysis, please submit by Aug. 13.

Info: Coeur d’Alene Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner Jonathan Stein at 208-769-5000.