Wolf Lodge Bay permit discussion hears from both sides

The Idaho Department of Lands held a public hearing Thursday on the proposed construction of a 150-by-10-foot dock, two 100-foot mooring stations, and a 120-by-80-foot work area on Lake Coeur d’Alene in Wolf Lodge Bay.

The commercial permit, filed by North Idaho Maritime LLC and John Condon, received predominantly negative pushback from environmental organizations and members of the public. Many expressed major concerns for the fish and wildlife habitat, aquatic life, recreation, aesthetic beauty and water quality of Wolf Lodge Bay.

Condon said North Idaho Maritime has been a part of development on Lake Coeur d’Alene for 102 years, working on environmental remediation, debris removal, habitat improvement, shoreline stabilization, infrastructure installation and emergency response.

“We’ve always treated the lake with great respect, in fact, it is our livelihood, we are the last people that are going to do damage to that lake in any way,” Condon said.

Wolf Lodge Bay is the first area visitors see when arriving in Coeur d’Alene from the Interstate 90 and Highway 97, for this reason, many of the speakers against the dock believe the construction would tarnish the beautiful appeal of the bay.

Over 10 people testified against the development.

Kris Kron, a Coeur d’Alene resident, pointed out the beauties of the area and how it would be environmentally inconsiderate to move forward with the project.

“It’s basically one of the last wild areas, the shoreline is repairing vegetation even where there are private residences which are modest in size for the most part,” Kron said. “Given the fragility of the lake is almost reaching its tipping point, it seems rather irresponsible and reckless to gamble with such high stakes for the sake of one business entity.”

The meeting continued late Thursday.