Residents must speak up and save community's 'heart'

As I supervise my children creating "all manner of things made of hearts" this week, I find my mind wandering. Feb. 14 is Valentine's Day. It is also the date of the next Bonner County Milfoil Task Force. What is the "heart" of the Idaho Panhandle? Here in North Idaho, we are surrounded by natural beauty.

People may disagree as to which aspect of nature is their favorite (mountains, forest, wildlife, lakes). But few disagree that the heart of the Idaho Panhandle is its waterways.

Last week I attended the Bonner County Milfoil Task Force meeting. I found it very interesting. We have definitely made headway in that more and more people are interested in an integrated approach to aquatic weed management and I would encourage all who are able to attend future meetings do so.

Feb. 14 at the federal building (1500 Highway 2) in Sandpoint from noon to 2 p.m. the task force will hear a presentation by an ecologist from the Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center. Dr. Michael Smart will present a holistic approach to the management and control of non-native aquatic plants. He will be available for additional discussion on aquatic plant management following the presentation.

At 2 p.m., the Milfoil Task Force meeting will follow the presentation. Ellisport Bay, Denton Slough and the potential treatment of the Clark Fork Delta will be discussed at this week's task force meeting.

I recommend that all who can attend this and future meetings of the task force.

Additional meetings will be held at the Sandpoint Community Hall at 2 p.m. on Feb. 21 and 28. Agendas and minutes are posted at the Bonner County Web site: _http://co.bonner.id.us/pubworks/weeds.html_

Many people have commented to me that they would love to be able to participate in these meetings. However due to work and / or personal commitments, they are unable to be there. At the meeting last week, I learned that the task force is accepting written comment from the public. So, you could in fact be heard without physically being at the meeting.

Now is the time to speak up. The task force will be giving recommendations on Feb. 28 of this month. If you have any concerns over the quantity of chemicals that will be applied to the lake again this summer please draft a quick note and send it to:

Todd Crossett — tcrossett@co.bonner.id.us

Lewis Rich — lrich@co.bonner.id.us

Joe Young — jyoung@co.bonner.id.us

I know this action will make a difference so please help. You can insert "Public Comments For Milfoil Task Force" in the subject line of your e-mail or regular mail can be sent to your County Commissioners at 215 S. First Street Sandpoint, ID 83864

MARY BRUHJELL

President

Panhandle Environmental League