Idaho Bar Recognizes Scott Reed

Scott Reed talked about winning the distinguished attorney award from the Idaho Bar Association in Coeur d’Alene last Friday. (SR photo: Kathy Plonka)

Never an imposing man, Scott Reed has nonetheless transformed his appearance into a mountain of trouble for opponents on scores of environmental issues. The 84-year-old lawyer came to Coeur d’Alene to argue those causes before he had case law of the Environmental Protection Act to back him up. He’s been a thorn in the side of homeowners who would deprive the public the use of Sanders Beach, and he’s written a book about the preservation of one of Coeur d’Alene’s greatest features, Tubbs Hill. “Environmental law is some of the more constant work and least paying work,” said Reed, who first was admitted to the Idaho bar in 1956. “When somebody wants to stop something they come to see me. We try our best. Mostly I’m not paid much. The recession has done a hell of a lot more to stop development than I ever did.” It’s those decades of service that earned him the Distinguished Lawyer Award last month from the Idaho State Bar/ Thomas Clouse , SR. More here.

Question: What would Coeur d’Alene be like without Scott Reed?