Protecting lake is just good governance

The loudest round of applause for Gov. Butch Otter Wednesday at the Sandpoint Rotary meeting was when he reiterated he is standing “with us” when it comes to protecting the precious water in Lake Pend Oreille.

We all know there is a physical and sometimes philosophical gap that exists between the state capitol and Idaho’s northern counties. An insider in the political and legislative scene in Boise recently said that political candidates, lawmakers and other state policy planners often need to be reminded that what seems like a good idea downstream, isn’t always such a good deal for those living upriver.

Gov. Butch Otter recognized this earlier this week when he announced that the state will oppose any other government agency’s plan to lower the water level of Lake Pend Oreille.

As the existing management plan for the lake approaches expiration, federal agencies that manage the Albeni Falls Dam — located on the Pend Oreille River between Oldtown and Priest River near Idaho-Washington border — are considering taking additional water from Lake Pend Oreille in late summer to increase the bull trout population downstream, on the other side of the dam.

Otter and members of the Lakes Commission — a group created by the Idaho Legislature to provide a venue for residents of the Lake Pend Oreille, Pend Oreille River, Priest Lake and Priest River region to have a voice in dealing with water quality and quantity issues — say the plan will adversely affect the scenic and recreational values of Lake Pend Oreille and the economy of Bonner County and the region. They also say it’s questionable whether calling water from the lake will benefit the downstream bull trout population.

Otter said time should be taken to find a “balanced solution.” The governor has asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bonneville Power Administration to return to the table to develop a new long-term management plan for Lake Pend Oreille, one that will protect and preserve it.

He said he wants to see the Lakes Commission, the public and local elected officials more directly involved in this effort.

There may be an election ahead, but don’t chalk this up as a clearly political move. This is a potentially life-changing issue for the people of Sandpoint and North Idaho, and the governor is doing what we would expect any state leader to do; he is looking out for the interests of all.

We commend, and thank, the governor for supporting us, the people who live upriver.