Park sculpture a first for Forest Service

When Pacific Gas and Transmission proposed a new pipeline through the heart of Boundary County, residents were understandably concerned. Plans called for nearly a dozen crossings on the Moyie River; however, PG&T was careful to minimize damage and preserve and, in some cases, improve habitat and recreational opportunities.

Now an as-yet-unnamed park is being built a few miles south of Highway 95 on Moyie River Road. PG&T originally proposed a simple interpretive sign at crossing No. 4 to explain the pipeline project, but Pat Hart, Bonners Ferry Ranger District’s Human Resource coordinator, had loftier ambitions. Inspired by some giant fish sculptures by Missoula, Mont., artist Jeffrey Funk, Hart envisioned a park combining picnic areas, wildlife viewing areas and, for the first time in Forest Service history, sculpture.

Hart convinced officials from the Forest Service, PG&T and Union Pacific that not only was the park desirable, but economically feasible. She says it took a huge cooperative effort to pull the project off. All that is needed to finish the job is the installation of the sculpture and picking a name.

Funk was awarded the job; his sculpture combines huge rocks with metal cast fish. A grand opening is scheduled for sometime in September. For more information, call the Bonners Ferry Ranger District at 208/267-5561.

– Matt Drake