Pack River project benefits area wildlife

The Idaho Fish and Game does not have any hidden agenda in the Pack River delta’s restoration.  Biologist Katherine Cousins held several meetings in the Sandpoint area about the purpose to save the delta from further deterioration.    There used to be several islands that were vegetated with grasses, cattails, and trees.  Most of them have disappeared and the remaining ones are in danger of eroding away.  The Bonner County Sportsmen’s  Association supports the project and  sees it as a win for many species of birds and wildlife.  Songbirds will find the vegetated islands ideal for nesting as will wood ducks.  Deer, elk, and moose will use the islands to have their young.  Otter, beaver, mink, and muskrat will return to the delta.

 The restoration is funded by Avista, Ducks Unlimited, and Idaho Fish and Game.  The Fish and Game operate on hunting and fishing licenses not tax dollars. 

The control of development rests on the Bonner County Planning and Zoning Commission and the County Commissioners.  Unfortunately, they see tax dollar revenue and aren’t big on wildlife habitat.  Several years ago the Sportsmen’s Association and many local residents fought to keep power boats from transporting people from Trestle Creek to the golf course and we won.  We also asked the County to establish a no wake zone from the railroad bridge to the highway bridge.  No motors are allowed above the highway.  So far the County Waterway Commission has not posted the area as a no wake zone even though the Sportsmen’s Association has offered to pay for the signs.  A floating buoy attached to a piling just above the railroad bridge would warn boaters of the restriction.  If boats are allowed to go full speed in the delta the islands will be in danger of more erosion.

LARRY BOOK

Sandpoint