Bill Eliminates Local Authority for Lake Management

Rep. Jim Addis (R-Coeur d’Alene) introduced HB 397, which would eliminate the ability of local people and local governments to make management decisions for lakes, establishing a blanket distance for no-wake zones for the whole state - every lake - regardless of local desire.

Why does this matter? Coincidentally, just before HB 397’s introduction, Dr. Frank Wilhelm, a limnologist (freshwater scientist) from the University of Idaho, presented to the legislature how each lake in Idaho is uniquely impacted by water turbulence. The silt (lake bed) makeup, depth, temperature, and shoreline soil composition all impact water quality, especially if disturbed.

Some lakes can take a lot of turbulence without damage, while others cannot. Too much turbulence in the right conditions can catalyze the spread of toxic blue-green algae, or change the pH (acidity) of the water and cause a fish die-off.

That is why decisions to establish no-wake zones are best left with county commissioners. Not only is this some seriously unneeded “nanny state” overreach by the state over local governments (our legislature still supports local government right?), it has the potential to impact fish and fishing. Local economies that rely on fishing, like those surrounding Cascade Lake, should be the ones calling the shots here Rep. Addis.

Let’s let this bill sleep with the fishes.