Derby endangering Lake Pend Oreille's health

I recently read the Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club's brochure and was appalled to see the aggregate weight figures. The aggregate weight being the total number of pounds of fish weighed in during the previous fishing derby. The numbers showed 474 pounds for first place, 387 pounds for second place and 380 pounds for third place.

Lloyd Campbell is right. LPOIC's mission statement, "Protect and enhance Lake Pend Oreille" is pure barnyard fodder. Aggregate weights are an act against all conscience and rational thinking. This program to eliminate the mackinaw is a travesty.

Idaho Department Fish and Game information states the kamloop are the species that prey heaviest on kokanee … if that is so, then why aren't the kams the targeted species? Why change the predator base from a viable sport fishery to a non-viable fishery (bull trout)?

I'm not placing blame on the people who are fishing the aggregate as the monetary prizes are substantial. However, I have trouble fathoming how anyone can put 300, 400 or 500 pounds of fish on the scale without some twinge of conscience or remorse.

LPOIC says to "put up or shut up." Those who have lifetimes of experience on this lake need to stand up and be heard before Lake Pend Oreille is turned into a "dead sea."

BILL HAGEMAN

Sandpoint