Boat Ramp Plans Meet Opposition Launch Site On Blackwell Island Endangers Wildlife, Blm Told
A federal plan to put more boat ramps on crowded Lake Coeur d’Alene could be sunk, or at least delayed, by three challenges.
Two local groups and one couple who are worried about environmental damage have told the federal Bureau of Land Management that they will appeal agency plans for Blackwell Island.
“I’m a birder. So I feel real strongly,” said Gertie Hanson, who, with her husband, Wes, plans to file an official objection.
“I think there are a lot of boaters who - if they realized that their desire to have that kind of boat launch was going to impact birds and mammals - would see the need to scale down.”
The BLM bought the northern end of the island, hoping to meet what it said is overwhelming public demand for more boat access. It announced specific plans in July.
Among those objecting during the public comment period were the Coeur d’Alene chapter of the National Audubon Society; the Hansons, who live near the island; and the Kootenai Rural Organization.
All three parties have told local BLM officials they will appeal the project to the U.S. Department of Interior.
The appeals could delay construction, which the BLM had expected to begin in 1997, said spokesman Ted Graf.
“The average length of time that the board of appeals is taking (to rule) is between two and three years,” he said.
The Audubon Society is concerned that the proposed five-ramp boat launch and parking area would hurt birds and other wildlife, said chapter president Mike Mihelich.
“We haven’t decided 100 percent whether to file the appeal,” he said Thursday. The group’s board of directors will decide today whether to proceed, he said.
Denise Clark, spokeswoman for the Kootenai Rural Organization, could not be reached for comment. She has argued against various development proposals near the source of the Spokane River.
The BLM responded to environmental concerns by leaving a small island nearby in its natural state, Graf said.
, DataTimes