Repairs Studied For Cda River Basin Erosion

An 850-square-mile region of the Panhandle National Forest is under study for repairs to prevent sedimentation of the Coeur d’Alene River during floods.

The area encompasses all of the Coeur d’Alene River basin upstream of the confluence of the Little North Fork and North Fork Coeur d’Alene rivers.

Three floods between November 1995 and March 1996 caused severe bank erosion in numerous tributaries of the Coeur d’Alene River, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The erosion dumps significant amounts of sediment in the river, and reduces its capacity to carry water within its banks, which causes more bank erosion.

In addition, many forest roads failed at channel crossings because of undersized culverts.

Because of stream bank instability and loss of fish habitat, fisheries aren’t expected to improve without rehabilitation.

The Forest Service is soliciting comments and suggestions for the rehabilitation project. Comments must be received by April 24.

For more information, contact Project Team Leader Ed Lider at 208-769-3000.

, DataTimes