The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is proposing to spend between $8.2 – $16.5 million to build a siphon that will tap the colder deep water (hypolimnion) of Priest Lake. The siphon, a 5-foot diameter, 7,500 – 8,000-foot pipe, would run from the headwaters of Priest River, through Match Bay, the full length of the Outlet channel and into Coolin Bay/Priest Lake, out to a depth of at least sixty feet. The siphon would bypass 75% of the natural, existing water volume and current flow rates around this popular and highly used area and pipe it directly into Priest River. They have stated their goal is to use the “colder water” to lower the temperature of the 45 mile-long Priest River, to encourage improved natural fish production, without the benefit of hatchery planting, creating a “high-value fishery” one that will generate $1.5 million in annual economic benefits to the local area.
We, the stakeholders of Priest Lake, formally go on record as opposing THE PRIEST LAKE SIPHON!
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.
February 13, 2023 Update: S1021 passed in the Senate 27 to 7 with 1 absent. It now moves to the House’s Resources & Conservation Committee. It will be considered there on March 9th.
There are 3 steps, out of 5, remaining in our efforts to preserve the lake:
Bill passes in Idaho Senate Committee on Resources and Environment
Bill passes in Idaho Senate
Idaho House Committee on Resources & Conservation March 9
Then Passage by the entire House of Representatives.
Bill signed by the Governor.
DO EMAIL OR CALL THE REPRESENTATIVES LISTED IN THE EMAIL YOU RECEIVED. THEY MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE.
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