Where is the planning for the area's growth?

I live near Garfield Bay. I'm opposed to the Monarch Vista Point Subdivision and now a new development just proposed. Adding 25-plus new families will negatively impact wildlife, surface and groundwaters, and emergency planning.

Specifically, I fear Bonner County has not addressed the carrying capacity of groundwater.

Groundwater supplies are declining throughout the state. See the Drought Chapter from State of Idaho Mitigation Plan (bit.ly/3Dxj6pw). County declarations occurred in 14 of the 18 years and the Drought Impact Reporter reported 66 drought impacts between 2012 through 2017…. the state of Idaho can expect a drought of varied severity to occur at a minimum every three years.”[pg. 3.5-27]

“Historical hydrologic patterns can no longer be solely relied upon to forecast the water future. Precipitation and runoff patterns are changing, increasing the uncertainty for water supply and quality, flood management, and ecosystem functions. Extreme climatic events will become more frequent, necessitating improvement in flood protection, drought preparedness, and emergency response (CA DWR, 2008).” [pg 3.5-28]

“By 2050, Idaho is projected to see a 110 percent increase in drought threat.”

It is the job of local officials to not just evaluate land use based on historic data but current and future conditions. I do not see such planning for our Garfield Bay.

NANCY GILLIAM

Sagle