Idaho Delays Ruling On Priest Lake Docks

It will be at least April before a dispute is resolved between the Idaho Department of Lands and the Huckleberry Bay Co. over how many boat docks and how much public access should be allowed to a 5,700-foot strip of Priest Lake shoreline.

The state Land Board voted Thursday to table the issue until then. In the meantime, a subcommittee consisting of state Controller J.D. Williams and Attorney General Al Lance will look into the issue.

Spokane businessman Don Barbieri, representing the Huckleberry Bay Co. along with attorney Janet Robnett, told the board Thursday that they believe they have the right to build all the private boat docks they want on the land, and to keep the public out of a 700-foot stretch of the lakefront.

The state Lands Department contends a recreation easement on the land limits boat docks to the 700-foot strip, and allows public access throughout.

Huckleberry Bay Co. has sold lots in its development at Priest Lake, and the owners want private boat docks.