With the devastatingly dry weather that we’ve experienced this summer and the possibility of an “El-Nino” weather pattern firmly entrenched through next summer, the focus of Tubbs Hill, our local community jewel, is in jeopardy.

After many discussions with various community groups, the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department has developed a management action plan to connect the fire road on the west side of Tubbs Hill to the water service road on the east side of the hill. The approximately 1,100 foot connection would provide access to the interior of the hill, increase the margin of safety for emergency personnel, and support management activities related to improving and protecting the natural resources on Tubbs Hill, such as fuel reduction, selective vegetative management and exotic plant and weed control. Tubbs Hill has experienced over 80 fire starts in the last fifteen years. Fourteen of these fires happened this past summer (2015).

The concept for this project was initiated in the early 1980’s and was supported in 2012 and again in 2015 by all user groups including the Tubbs Hill Foundation and the Natural Open Space Committee. The recommendations for this concept were to define a specific route, minimize visual impact and respect hill site disturbance.

Deputy Fire Chief Glenn Lauper and Parks and Recreation Superintendent Bill Greenwood met with the Tubbs Hill Foundation and its supporters. They approved moving forward with the concept of connecting the east and west accesses.

Staff will be working closely with the Mayor and City Council to begin work in the late fall to create a connection that all users will benefit from.