Priest Lake land use panel forms

PRIEST LAKE — The Bonner County Planning & Zoning Commission is forming a sub-area committee for land use planning.

The committee is tasked with writing a 10- to 15-year comprehensive plan for the Priest Lake sub-area. The resulting plan will be appended to the county’s comprehensive plan.

“This process allows more intimate community involvement and participation regarding growth and development issues within the Priest Lake area which we believe will aid in maintaining the character of the area,” said Larry Bryant, chairman of the sub-area committee for Priest Lake.

Bryant is joined on the committee by vice chairman Brent Guyer, Bob Mansfield, Cheryl Moody, Debby Trinen, Jim Woods, Jill Cobb, Nick Oltean, Suzie Hatfield, and alternate Teri Hill.

There are two vacant alternate positions on the volunteer committee. Those interested in serving on the panel are urged to contact the Bonner County Planning Department.

The committee began meeting in June. Committee meetings are open to the public and are held the first Tuesday of each month at the Priest Lake Library, starting at 1 p.m.

The committee has drawn up a draft vision statement:

“Our vision is to preserve the unique unspoiled environment of Priest Lake by protecting our abundant natural resources, community’s character, air and water quality, while promoting a strong year-round economy and a thriving local community.”

The plans vision is founded on the principles which include respecting and honoring the rustic aesthetics of Priest Lake, supporting year-round economic development that is in balance with the environment and supporting educational and recreation experiences that favorably shape the character and growth of the community. It also seeks to promote responsible stewardship of natural resources, preserving and protecting the area’s native ecosystems and promoting land use policies that slow the gentrification around major bodies of water in the sub-area.

Those interested in serving on the committee can submit a letter of interest to the planning department via email (planning@bonnercountyid.gov) or by post (1500 U.S. Highway 2, Suite 208, Sandpoint, ID. 83864. For more information, call 208-265-1458.

All interested parties will be interviewed by P&Z, which appoints committee members.