Land division in Coolin wetlands, again
Pictured is a portion of the Coolin Wetland system on the south shore of Priest River. After Tricore Investments LLC acquired the property of April 2021, concerns over potential development caused local conservation groups to express concern.
Courtesy AMY ANDERSON
SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners will consider approving a second South Shore Estates minor land division at their meeting on Tuesday.
The parcel in question, located off Warren Beach Road west of Coolin, is over 20 acres and property owners have asked for it to be split into four parcels. The current zoning is rural, 5-acre. If approved, neighbors would have 10 days to appeal.
Minor land divisions, or MLDs, are approved administratively in a bundle with the consent agenda. Last business meeting, four MLDs were approved with no discussion by the commissioners. There is a period of public comment before the adoption of the consent agenda, should the public choose to use it.
The Coolin wetlands has seen a flurry of development in recent years. Tricore Investments obtained a 65-acre plot of land in 2018 and has since subdivided the property into over 30 smaller parcels – all in a wetland and flood hazard zone.
This application, MLD0144-21, was filed before the commissioners decided each MLD needs to be posted on the county website. The details have been made available by the Selkirk Conservation Alliance, who made a public records request to obtain the application from the county.
County commissioners have now amended the code so that minor land divisions cannot be contiguous, but since Tricore applied for contiguous MLDs before the code change, the MLD applications are still permissible.
In the “2004 Conservation Strategies for Idaho Peatlands” by Idaho Fish and Game, the Coolin wetland system, also known as Chase Lake, is listed as one of the most valuable wetlands in Idaho. It was one of only nine wetlands to receive “class I” protection status, which means it qualifies to be a research natural area.
The classifications were made based upon the presence of rare plant species, the richness of ecological features, and the degree of human modification upon the system.
The SCA and its supporters are worried that this MLD will lead to more development in the wetland. Amy Anderson, SCA’s executive director, asked supporters to voice their concerns at the county business meeting, which will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 11 in the County Bonner County Administration Building 1500 U.S. 2, Suite 338, Sandpoint, ID.