Make opinion known on Clagstone Meadows

I have often heard numerous county residents complain that growth and development is destroying Bonner County’s rural environment. I agree. Clagstone Meadows’ massive development is a giant step in that direction. Why then were so few residents, other than those living in the immediate area of Clagstone, present at the recent planning commission public hearings to voice their concerns, oppositions, and opinions?

I guess many have the attitude of “it’s not in my back yard so it doesn’t affect me.” Wrong, wrong, wrong! Most of us who live rurally in the county do so to avoid exactly what Clagstone is. We value ruralness, privacy, lack of congestion, and wildlife. Look no further than the Coeur d’ Alene area to see what can happen.

The Clagstone Meadows area is currently major habitat to virtually all of North Idaho’s wildlife. A look at the Panhandle National Forests map shows three lakes within it and three more just outside, 12 streams/creeks, 27 designated wetlands areas, one seep, and one spring. Don’t believe for a moment 1,200 residential units, two golf courses, an equestrian center, sports fields, various trails both hiking and motorized, access roads, thousands of people, etc., etc. won’t negatively impact both water and wildlife both in the project area and surrounding areas into which it drains all the way to the Pend Oreille River. Oh yes, there’s more — 8000 or so vehicles projected daily in summer on U.S. 95, increased demands on county services, and possible increased taxes to support those services.

The majority of people present spoke in opposition to Clagstone, and brought forth many valid concerns. The planning commission asked good, pointed questions. The developers answered evasively with many “it’s our intent.” Intent is no commitment at all, it’s very open to change. Typical developer answer. Idaho Fish and Game currently has many serious concerns about the negative impact of Clagstone on wildlife that the developers have been unable or choose not to answer is a decisive and satisfactory manner.

So if you are concerned about this giant step toward further degradation of Bonner County’s rural nature and negative impacts on one of the county’s major wetlands areas and wildlife habitat  take the time to investigate Clagstone, and make your concerns and/or opposition known to the county Planning Department, planning commissioners, and county commissioners.

Once it’s gone  we will never be able to get it back and we will have no one to blame but ourselves. Clagstone is not good for Bonner County, or county residents. It’s only good for the developers at our expense.

PHIL POUTRÉ

Cocolalla