Scat Fee Waived

Priest Lake

The $2 fee to sanitize portable potties required for some Priest Lake campers has been waived this season.

Since 1995, the U.S. Forest Service has required campers who don’t use developed campgrounds with outhouses to pack out their human waste after camping on Kalispell and Bartoo islands.

Plastic buckets have been available at the Kalispell Bay boat launch for campers who don’t have portable potties. To promote use of the buckets, the Forest Service has waved the fee for cleaning the buckets after use.

Compliance in packing out the waste has been good, said Debbie Wilkins, Priest Lake Ranger District recreation manager. “We’ve haven’t had to write a ticket,” she said. “We’ve made it convenient to comply, and most people understand the need.”

However, the fines for ignoring the pack-it-out rules would start at $50, she said.

The Lake Roosevelt Recreation area also is requiring campers to pack out human waste from undeveloped sites, although enforcement has not been strict.

Vaughn Backer, park superintendent, said rangers will spend more time educating campers about the growing problem of human waste on the reservoir’s beaches.

Most rental companies have portable toilets available. New ones can be purchased for about $50 from sporting goods stores or recreational vehicle shops.