Idaho Gov. Butch Otter says he’s reached an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bonneville Power Administration to keep North Idaho’s scenic Lake Pend Oreille full through the late summer and longer into September. “Working with our state, federal and tribal partners, as well as the many local citizens who commented on proposed lake operations, I am pleased to say that we have achieved a new process going forward that I think will maintain and enhance the scenic and recreational value of Lake Pend Oreille,” Otter said in a statement.

He added, “This will give the public greater certainty about summer lake levels and the timing of any necessary drawdowns for flood control or other purposes; in addition, meeting the objectives will ensure that kokanee spawning nests or ‘redds’ near the shoreline are not left high and dry, and habitat for bull trout downstream is protected.” The agreement covers operations of Albeni Falls Dam, located on the Pend Oreille River between Oldtown and Priest River. You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.