Commission Endorses Land Exchanges and Donation

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission has instructed managers to further pursue a land donation and two land exchanges that would increase access for the public. Cave Lake Donation: .627 acres adjacent to the Coeur d'Alene River Wildlife Management Area. This property, which fronts Cave Lake could be easily incorporated into the Coeur d'Alene River WMA, allowing the Department to better manage the current ownership and reduce trespass and other issues associated with in-holdings. Swan Lake/Freeman Lake Exchange: Exchange 69 acres of the Department's Freeman Lake property in Bonner County for 36 acres on Swan Lake adjacent to the Coeur d'Alene WMA, owned by the Minnaloosa Land Company in a value for value exchange. The Minnaloosa Land Company will convey to the Department by warranty deed the Swan Lake property and $260,689.00 in cash to equalize the value of the Department conveying to the Minnaloosa Land Company by warranty deed 69 acres of the Freeman Lake property. The Department will retain the roadway into Freeman Lake and 30.4-acres of the public access site. The Swan Lake parcel is located on the north shoreline of the lake between a private ranch and Department owned land. The property would be excellent for anglers, waterfowl hunters, and big game hunters who want to access the adjacent federal and state properties. Silver Creek Exchange: Exchange of 29.79 Fish and Game acres now leased for agricultural purposes to Picabo Land and Livestock for approximately 2 miles of permanent public access protected through easement along both banks of Silver Creek. The easement will provide sportsmen year-round access within 30 feet of the high-water mark along Silver Creek, allowing them to walk and hike along the banks of the stream. A new road will be constructed to access the existing Fish and Game property and Silver Creek West Access site.