State approves Hagadone’s Lake CdA dock application

Installing a dock for cruise boats in Casco Bay won’t affect the navigability of Lake Coeur d’Alene, the state of Idaho has ruled, giving approval to Coeur d’Alene businessman Duane Hagadone’s plan for a 177-foot commercial dock.

The ruling by the Idaho Department of Lands will allow Hagadone to moor two 100-foot boats used to transport visitors to his lakefront home and garden for summer charity events. The cruise boats will provide restroom facilities for groups of as many as 600 people.

Thursday’s decision came after an initial denial in January for a 200-foot dock and a helipad, which the department said would provide no “major benefits to the general public.” Hagadone revised the application, removing the helipad and reducing the length of the dock by 23 feet.

The state agreed with Hagadone that the 177-foot dock won’t impede navigability because the neighboring Murphy Marine commercial operation extends 290 feet into the lake.

Besides navigation, some opponents argued that Lake Coeur d’Alene is becoming overcommercialized and overused by boats.

The state director wrote that those issues are the authority of Kootenai County and its growth planning rules, not the state.