Keep Camp Bay open to the public

The best interests of residents versus the wishes of an out-of-state developer regarding our public access to Camp Bay’s shoreline is on the agenda again for the commissioners to decide.

Fact is, Bonner County tax dollars built Camp Bay Road to the shoreline and has maintained it for years to provide residents direct access to the lake. As it is, there are a limited number of public spots where a kayak or canoe can be easily launched for an enjoyable day of paddling.

The developer’s proposal to make 2,550 feet into his private road is purely self-serving for his gated-community dream. His newest proposal to establish a parking area with a foot path for the public’s use is not a good plan. Anyone wanting to launch their boat into the bay (other than those buying into this gated community), would need to portage their boat and carry gear to a location on the southern shoreline. This task, up and down the hill, making several laps, would be over a mile of hauling. From what I saw in September when I kayaked there with girlfriends, the southern shoreline is steeper and has a culvert, creating a marshy area. Anything different than our established, clean, centered-in-the-bay, 50-foot shoreline would make launching a boat a lot harder.

Nothing about this proposal is in the “best interests of Bonner County residents.” If you agree, please show up Monday, Dec. 19 for a 9 a.m. hearing at the county administration building on U.S. 2 at Division.

If we can keep Camp Bay Road open to the public, as it has been since 1908, then all of us will continue to enjoy this “million-dollar view” on our beautiful Lake Pend Oreille.

REBECCA HOLLAND

Sandpoint