Lack of concern threatens Priest River

At Priest Lake Elementary when the cold-water bypass was discussed, I brought a jar of rock-snot, from the Priest River near where I live showing how human-manipulated warm water and sediment loading has injured the river. I am optimistic that human-caused damage could be addressed by cooling the river with a cold-water bypass from Priest Lake.

I was hoping if people became informed, they would agree to save the impaired Priest River ecosystem. A rude woman interrupted a conversation I was having. She knew me but refused to identify herself. She barked, “We don’t care about the river!” storming off.

The following is inspired by Martin Niemöller who wrote: “First They Came.”

"I Don’t Care"

First, I heard about the warm temperatures, rock snot, invasive bullfrogs and fish kills on the Priest River. I did not speak out — I don’t care.

Then I heard about the cyanobacteria blooms in lower Priest Lake. I did not speak out — I don’t care.

Then I heard about the man-made phosphorous plume at Kalispell Bay which can be seen by Google Earth. I did not speak out because I choose not to believe what I don’t want to hear — I don’t care.

Then I heard that Kalispell Bay’s and Coolin’s sewer districts had violated coliform bacterial counts from human feces which can make its way into Priest Lake. I did not speak out because if I did, I might have to do something — I don’t care.

Then I heard wetlands that help keep Priest Lake healthy were being filled in by developers — I don’t care.

Then I took my grandbabies to Priest Lake at my cabin. There were rotting dead fish, rock snot, green algae, and Coliform bacteria where they were swimming. I hope someone will clean this up — but no one cares.

BETTY GARDNER

Priest River