The project would require the destruction of approx. 1.5 miles of lake and Outlet channel bed, as a significant portion the 5 ft. diameter siphon pipe will be buried to a depth of around 7 feet, requiring excavation that will destroy the existing Kokanee and other fish species spawning beds, as well as posing a significant risk to other aquatic species due to the debris caused by the operation.
Don’t blur my vision!
A portion of the pipe, out into the lake, would not be buried but raised off the lake floor by concrete pedestals about every twenty feet apart. This would potentially create not only problems for fishing but, if visible, would spoil one of the great aesthetic values of Priest Lake… the deep clarity of water.
Sen. Scott Herndon, R-Sagle, presented Senate Bill 1021, which would amend that law to stipulate the existing dam is the only structure authorized to release water from the lake, and that no siphon, gravity bypass, or other bypass device may be constructed without prior approval from the legislature and the governor.
The Idaho Reporter just published this story. We need to support this bill. More information will be provided on what you can do soon. If you have any questions just click here or Get In Touch at the bottom of this page.
Reminder:
PLCOA Annual Meeting
August 6, 2022 - 9:00 AM
Inn at Priest Lake
Guest Speakers
2022 VAFO Update, Leasing Update, Forestry Update – Speaker Josh Purkiss IDL Director of Real Estate
Asia Williams – Newly-elected Bonner County
East Priest Lake Fire District Update – Speaker Ann McKinstry (Commissioner)
New Bonner County Commission for PL Area: Speaker Asia Williams
Priest Lake Water Quality/Temperature Findings – Speaker Dr. James Lee
Stop the Priest Lake Siphon – Speaker Allan Songstag