Lake Coeur d'Alene, one of the earth's most beautiful lakes, is the headwaters for the Spokane River. However, Coeur d'Alene Lake is also polluted. The lake is a tailings' pond for the Coeur d'Alene mining district, with 60-80 million tons of toxic material on the lake bottom. To know the lake is to know its watershed: the great forest fire of 1910, massive logging, and mining's riches and wreckage. During the 1996 flood event, over a million pounds of lead flowed into Coeur d'Alene Lake and, some, into the Spokane River. In the decade after Expo '74, major battles erupted over logging and mining pollution. We honor the Coeur d'Alene Tribe for leading the effort to protect their homeland and the lake. This event will focus on remedies for Coeur d'Alene Lake — the unfinished work of Expo '74. This event will include a tour of the Silver Valley historic mining area and forest fire sites.

Plan for a 7-hour day, with a no-host lunch at the Snake Pit restaurant in Coeur d'Alene. Participants will meet at the parking lot for Cedars Floating Restaurant on Blackwell Island, where the lake gives birth to the Spokane River.

Use provided link to sign up for tour in advance.