Outdoors and Scouting high on 15-year-old’s priority list

Brett Papineau is an intelligent young man. The Lake City High School sophomore is enrolled in pre-calculus, a course that is two years ahead of the regular curriculum for high school sophomores. In his senior year of high school he plans to take college level math courses, allowing him to earn college credit before entering his freshman year.

But when not studying or hanging out with his friends, Brett really enjoys being outdoors.

During nine years in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, he has eagerly taken advantage of what the Northwest has to offer for hiking and camping.

“I did a 25-mile backpacking trip over five days at the Selway River,” said Papineau. “I also went white-water rafting on the Lower Salmon River.”

Now, as he works to become an Eagle Scout, a level achieved by only about 5 percent of all Boy Scouts, Papineau is doing what he can to give his community a new place where they, too, can enjoy the outdoors.

Papineau, 15, is helping to construct a hiking trail on Canfield Mountain in Coeur d’Alene.

“When we heard that Tubbs Hill Bridge was out, we went and checked it out,” said Papineau. “That is where we met Monte (McCully, trail coordinator for the City of Coeur d’Alene).”

They began to talk about a possible trail on Canfield Mountain and before he knew it, Papineau had begun what has turned out to be a big undertaking. He plans to help construct an upper hiking trail that will loop approximately two miles and a lower trail that will be a one-mile loop.

“We have to keep it below eight percent grade,” said Brett.

He adds that he should have the final stamp of approval within the next couple of weeks. Then he will enlist fellow Scouts to help him clear the brush.

“It has more red tape than I think any Eagle project has ever seen,” said Lonnie Papineau, Brett’s dad. “But it is good that Brett sees this kind of thing and that you cannot just go build a trail.”

Brett has received donations such as flagging tape and marking paint from area businesses. But now as he starts into the labor-intensive part of the project he is in need of small chain saws and some bow saws.

“Our chain saws are pretty much on their last legs,” said Lonnie.

How much brush Brett will clear depends upon how wide the city wants the trail and just how much of the natural surroundings it wishes to preserve.

“They (city officials) said they want it to be at least 8-feet wide,” said Lonnie. “That way it will allow access for four-wheelers in case someone is injured and room for other emergency vehicles.”

Before undertaking the project, Papineau had to gain approval from the city of Coeur d’Alene Parks and Recreation Department as well as City Council. After he finishes marking the trail and clearing the brush, the city will take on the responsibility of hiring contractors to complete the project.

But as Lonnie Papineau points out, there will always be an opportunity for other Eagle Scouts to contribute to the project.

“They can help with the digging or put benches out there (on the trail),” he said. “This project is unique from other (Eagle Scout) projects in that it benefits the whole community.”

While all the work may seem overwhelming for some, Brett says he encourages anyone who is thinking about joining Scouts to go for it.

“I really like the campouts and the people you hang with,” said Brett. “It makes it all worth it.”