The Recreation Management Program was formed to promote and manage outdoor recreation within the Reservation. Our mission is to introduce visitors to the many quality outdoor recreation experiences the Reservation has to offer and preserve the Tribe’s rich history and connection to the natural environment through the integration of cultural outreach, educational opportunities, and regulatory management
Current projects and activities under the regulation of the Recreation Management Program:
- Shoreline Protection. Like other owners of navigable waters, the Tribe regulates dock construction and maintenance on Tribal waters. A balance is required between various types of users and the owners and managers of the resource. The link above provides a gateway to information on Tribal Jurisdiction, the Goals of Regulation, and Encroachment Information such as Standards, Applications, and Fee Schedules.
- Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. The Trail officially opened in March of 2004. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe manages approximately 15 miles of the Trail located between Plummer and Harrison, ID. The Trail is considered one of the recreation gems of the region and a large portion within the Coeur d’Alene Reservation runs along beautiful Coeur d’Alene Lake, the historical homeland of the Tribe. The link above will lead you to further information regarding the Trail such as; a downloadable trail brochure and map, details regarding the Response Action Maintenance Plan, and the Trail Commission-responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the development, management and operation of the entire Trail/ROW are coordinated across the State and Tribe’s separate and joint management areas
- Vetrans Memorial Park: The Veterans Memorial Park was dedicated by Tribal Council in 2010 shortly after the completion of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Warriors and Veterans Memorial (pictured above.) The Park and the Hn’ya’)pqi’nnis (Gathering Place) Trailhead, situated at the north end of Plummer, ID are the start of the 73-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes recreational trail. In addition to construction of the Veterans Memorial, recent projects have included landscaping, grading, and hydro-seeding in excess of one acre of lawn area, installation of three shade shelter/picnic tables, and construction of a large shade shelter in the parking lot area for staging bike events. A Veterans Memorial Park master plan was completed and includes further expansion of the park area on the north side of the Trail and installation of additional amenities such as a large community gathering place, larger restrooms, and a children’s playground. Further expansion will occur as funds become available.
- Camp Roger Larson: The Coeur d’Alene Tribe purchased Camp Roger Larson from Washington State University in 2004. This recreation facility is located six miles northeast of Worley, Idaho on the shoreline of Coeur d’Alene Lake in Cottonwood Bay. The Camp underwent a major renovation from 2007 through 2010 including the demolition and removal of all hazardous and unsafe buildings on the property, construction of a large community gathering place, and upgrade and installation of restroom facilities. A preliminary and conceptual design study was completed in 2008 and presented to Tribal Council for consideration; certain aspects of the study have been implemented and others are still being considered
- Lake Debris Removal Pilot Project: Involves planning, inventory, collection and disposal or recycling of floating debris and debris washed up on lake shorelines. A specific objective is to document the amount and usability of large debris, particularly logs and derelict docks. This project includes sending notice to shoreline landowners that Tribal staff will be available to remove certain types of debris. An annual inventory is completed and debris removal efforts are prioritized based on the severity of impact to the environment, permitted encroachments, the navigational channels, and recreation. The Program has removed several tons of debris over the early stages of the project, removed numerous hazardous pilings and deadheads from the navigational channel(s) within Tribal waters
- DeSmet-Tensed Trail: The DeSmet-Tensed Trail was completed in late 2009. The .66 mile, at-grade, asphalt trail spans between the cities of DeSmet and Tensed, ID. The Trail was constructed to provide a safe route for pedestrians to travel between the two cities. The only route prior to construction was along the busy and very dangerous State Highway 95. The Trail includes a 150 foot steel span bridge across Hangman Creek, wayside benches, and picnic tables
- Other future recreational projects
- Sister’s Building Park and Gathering Area. The Tribe is in the early stages of planning to develop a park and gathering area at the former location of the Sisters of Charity of Providence School in DeSmet, ID. Development and construction of interpretive panels would be a main focus of the project in order to document the rich history of the location.
- Missing Link Trail. The goal of this project would be to connect the John Wayne Pioneer Trail to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes through the establishment of a direct link that would run from the Veterans Memorial Park to Tekoa, WA