Hauser lake Idaho water quality, safety for recreation and drinking water quality from lake adjacent water wells are adversely affected from the overwhelming increases in motorized watercraft. This petition is not to initially seek any permanent ban on any motorized watercraft from accessing and enjoying the lake, but rather to ask the Kootenai county government to initiate a one year moratorium designating the lake as a “no wake speed lake”. During the policy period the lake water quality, shoreline erosion, and algae blooms can be monitored to see if keeping the lake less turbulent proves to indicate less adverse effects on the overall water quality and quality of life of area residents and visitors alike.

Studies abound that indicate small, shallow bodies of water that see marked increases in recreational motorized watercraft keep sediments suspended which lead to a lake developing an inability to cool itself naturally. Higher than natural water temps adversely effects the balances. As a result algae blooms become more pronounced, frequent and prolonged. Wildlife and humans alike are at risk. Water science suggests the lake bottom becomes a dead zone.

Hauser lake was studied in 2000 by the Idaho department of environmental quality. Along with other lakes in North Idaho the study declares that these small shallow lakes are naturally in decline from watershed sedimentation. Add the increased number of lakeside residential septic leech, warmer winters, less runoff the pace of the lakes natural decline rate is increased. Add watercraft numbers exceeding the carrying capacity of the lakes size relative to boat presence and speeds and the science of it all takes a toll daily during summer months the lake cannot recover from.

Something needs to happen. It’s obvious housing will not decrease. We cannot dictate or hope for consistent inflow of snow melt. But we can band together and try to influence our County commissioners to hear the matter and decide, as leadership, to give the no wake speed moratorium a try.

If you’ve read this far down then please consider adding your name to this petition.

Kootenai county has the ability per the state to directly manage policy of lands and waterways within its boundaries. Let’s see who’s interested.

Thank you