City OKs watershed purchase

SANDPOINT — City officials aim to ensure the quality of the local water supply with the purchase of a key watershed on Schweitzer Mountain.

Last Wednesday, council members voted unanimously to purchase the Little Sand Creek Watershed, 240 acres of land owned by Schweitzer Mountain, for $590,000. Public Works Director Kody Van Dyk said that the owners weren’t obligated to work with the city and had no impetus to sell the property. Nevertheless, they were receptive to the transaction.

“I totally support this purchase,” Councilwoman Carrie Logan said. “This is just good management of our water supply.”

According to Van Dyk, an appraisal commissioned by the city came back at $490,000. Upon removal, however, city staff found several errors regarding the valuation of timber on the property. After accounting for the errors, the property returned a value of about $580,000. Van Dyk said city staff made an offer of $570,000, but the owners remained firm on a $590,000 price tag.

“That’s the lowest price I believe we’re going to get from Schweitzer at the moment,” Van Dyk said.  

The purchase will allow the city increased flexibility in managing the quality of its water content. According to Logan, the purchase continues Sandpoint’s tradition of proactivity in protecting its water supply. In the early 20th century, Sandpoint City Council members made similar purchases to consolidate control over water quality.

“They started purchasing property from the old Humbard company to in perpetuity protect our water supply which we all know is so fabulous,” Logan said. “I was blown away by that.”