The Bureau of Land Management’s Blackwell Island boat launch will close for the season on Sunday evening (Oct. 16) .  The popular launch site, located on the south side of the Spokane River, has been in operation for nine seasons. Blackwell Island recreation area will also be closed to day-use activities after Sunday.  The main gate will be closed for the season and toilet facilities winterized. The site is a popular area for walking, picnicking and wildlife viewing during the summer season.   Blackwell Island typically opens in late May dependent upon lake water levels/Rich Landers, Outdoors.

Question: Which North Idaho boat launch do you use? And/or: Which is the best launch in North Idaho?

Item: Blackwell Marina expansion moves forward/Tania Dall, KXLY

More Info: Hagadone plans to transform the outdated facility with a new design that calls for 420 boat slips and space for 128 personal watercraft. … Future additions could include retail and commercial space. The Coeur d’Alene Lakeshore Property Owners Association believes the project will boost the local economy.

Question: What impact will a vastly expanded Blackwell Island marina have on the waterways of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane River?

Item: Lands Department gives Hagadone OK for Blackwell Island: Green light comes with cleanup, building conditions/Alecia Warren, Press

More Info: Idaho Department of Lands announced approval of the Blackwell Island Marina expansion on Monday, one of two agency go-aheads required for the expansive multi-phase project. The state specifically granted the Yacht Club a new encroachment permit for the facility on the southern end of Lake Coeur d’Alene, which the company plans to make over completely.

Question: Do you have any concerns about this project?

If you see an armada of kayaks led by Julie Dalsaso this coming Saturday near the Blackwell Island marina here’s why: Along with the Kootenai Environmental Alliance, she wants citizens to look at the area where the Hagadone’s are planning to release 121,000 cubic yards of sediments so they can build a new port for luxury yachts with no regard to public health. This is the uppermost reach of the Spokane River, a popular spot for paddlers. But what lies beneath are heavy metals from a century of mining in Silver Valley. “The Lake Management Plan does not call for dredging of the lake bottom because it’s thought that leaving the contaminated soils in place is a safer management solution,” attorney Rick Eichstaedt said here at the Center For Justice. “So this proposal sets a negative precedent. We don’t have a plan for dealing with dredging like this in the lake”/Paul, Down To Earth. More here.

Question: Are you concerned about this proposal? 

Item: Marina back on drawing board: Hagadone submits plans for Blackwell Island/Alecia Warren, CDA Press

More Info: After years of research and consulting, Hagadone Hospitality has set the wheels in motion once again to excavate and replace the Blackwell Island Marina. “We spent well into the six figures — many six figures,” said John Barlow, president of Hagadone Real Estate Holding, of the past three years rethinking the project. “Many developers might have given up, but we know this will be Coeur d’Alene’s finest marina.” Armed with an entirely new set of environmental standards, Hagadone Hospitality resubmitted a joint permit application to the state Department of Lands and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Monday.

Question: Do you have reservations re: Duane Hagadone’s plans to construct a top-flight marina and boat sales operation on Blackwell Island?