Public Meetings Set For Railroad Trail

The possibility of transforming an abandoned railroad line into a recreational trail will be discussed at a series of three public meetings in February.

The 72-mile Union Pacific line runs between Plummer and Mullan. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Environmental Protection Agency have been discussing ways to clean up heavy metals contamination along the route so it can safely serve as a biking and hiking trail.

Trains on the route carried lead from mining and smelting operations in the Silver Valley.

A public comment period will run from Jan. 20 to Feb. 20. The open house sessions will give residents a chance to learn about proposed trail management and right-of-way cleanup.

The meetings will be from 5 to 8 p.m.:

In Wallace on Feb. 9, at the Elks Lodge.

In Harrison on Feb. 10, at the EMT Building.

In Worley on Feb. 11 at the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Community Center.