Early closure of Emerald Creek Garnet Area - St. Joe Ranger District

The Emerald Creek Garnet Area south of St. Maries will be closed for the season Aug. 20, and will be operating on reduced hours until then. To provide an opportunity for digging through the weekend, the site will be open Friday, Aug. 17, through Sunday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Emerald Creek Garnet Area typically closes Sept. 4, however the garnet-bearing material has been exhausted early for the season. The garnet material is transported to the Emerald Creek Garnet Area recreation site for public use. Geologists identify locations in the Emerald Creek area to excavate the material for the site.

“We had record visitation for July this year,” said Christine Plourde, recreation staff, on the St. Joe Ranger District. “Visitation has almost doubled during the month of July since 2015. It is great to see so many visitors, but we also go through the garnet material much faster.”

The district will be developing a longer term plan for sustainability of the site to meet the growing public demand.

For more information or questions, please contact Christine Plourde at 208-245-6022.