Wed., April 27, 2016

Black Lake land swap on hold

Marshall Chesrown’s former Black Lake Ranch sits partially submerged on Monday, March 7, 2016. A proposed land swap involving this property is under consideration. After it went into recievership, new owners acquired it. They’re interested in swapping it for state-owned timberlands in Benewah County. Idaho Fish and Game says the pasture lands could be converted into high value wetlands along the Coeur d’Alene River. The 1,000 acres also has high recreational value. (Kathy Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)

A proposed North Idaho land swap is on hold while the state Department of Fish and Game attempts to negotiate a public access easement on the property to be traded. The agency wants to acquire a 1,000-acre former horse ranch on the Coeur d’Alene River, restoring wetlands and improving water quality in nearby Black Lake. Fish and Game doesn’t have the money to buy the property, but has proposed trading 1,400 acres near St. Maries for it./SR. More here.

Posted April 27, 2016, 7:03 a.m.