Coeur d’Alene Lake faces numerous environmental challenges that require ongoing vigilance. One of the key programs in safeguarding the water quality of this lake is the Bay Watchers program. A collaboration between the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, The Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, and local volunteers.
Author, Jade Clinkenbeard, Watershed Analyst, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality In May of this year, we explored one rancher’s innovative approach to no-damage cattle ranching in the Coeur d’Alene basin. But Albert Walsh doesn’t limit his no-damage philosophy to cattle ranching; he applies it across various restoration, forestry, and land use activities. On his property in the Cataldo Slough area, Walsh has installed post-assisted debris structures to transform a former dry grass field into an area that slows runoff, holds…
Author, Meg Wolf- Interim Assistant Director/Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, University of Idaho Wetlands refer to the watery transition zones between surface water and dry land. They can be wet year-round or only during certain parts of the year, such as following spring runoff. Essential parts of a wetland include aquatic plants specifically adapted to live in fully saturated environments. In the Inland Northwest, non-tidal wetlands are prevalent, unlike coastal regions that support tidal wetlands. Nature’s Water Filters Wetlands act…
Guest Author: Mary Rehnborg, Institutional Controls Program Manager for Panhandle Health District Summertime recreation is one of the best parts of living in our area. Swimming, boating, camping, and other outdoor activities are great ways to make lifelong memories with your friends and family. While our region looks like a pristine, beautiful place to recreate, some areas are impacted by the historical mining activities that occurred in the Coeur d’ Alene basin. North Idaho is home to one of the…
On May 21st, 2024, students from eight area high schools gathered for the 13th annual Youth Water Summit, a research fair where students present their water-related research as the culmination of a year-long program known as The Confluence Project. This initiative focuses on teaching students about the quantity and quality of water in the Idaho Panhandle.
Guest author: Albert Walsh, Owner/Operator of Castlerock Ranch Alongside the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River sits Castlerock Ranch. At the turn of the 19th century, the ranch started as a hay farm for working stock in the mines and logging outfits; today it is a grazing operation for grass finished cattle and an event venue. Albert Walsh and his wife Jordan took over operations in 2014 and were faced with a lower crop yield for their cattle despite…
By Cynthia Rozyla, Kootenai Environmental Alliance Board Chair Over the last 50 years, Kootenai Environmental Alliance (KEA) has been a leader in environmental activism, advocacy, and education in conserving, protecting and restoring North Idaho. When it comes to Our Gem, KEA has been and will continue to be a voice for Coeur d’Alene Lake and all the water resources of this wonderful part of the country. As with many non-profits, we have had our ups and downs through COVID, staff…
By Joni Kindwall-Moore Public awareness about soil health has increased in recent years, and more people from outside of ranching and farming communities have learned about the role that soil plays in our world. Since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, government entities like the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have been implementing soil health initiatives. Understanding the complex interactions between soil, human health, and environmental quality is essential for sustainable land and water management. Many natural processes occur in…
Guest author: Carol Corbin, Director of Philanthropy and Communications (INLC) The Inland Northwest Land Conservancy (INLC) is a regional land trust, serving Eastern Washington and North Idaho and our mission is to conserve, care for, and connect with lands and waters essential to life in the Inland Northwest. We envision a future of interconnected natural habitats throughout the Inland Northwest, supporting thriving populations of native plants and wildlife. INLC–and other organizations like it–protect land through agreements called “conservation easements. “Conservation…
What does citizen engagement mean? According to Robert Langley, a retired urban planning professional, it means participation in “activities intended to improve the quality of life in one’s community by addressing issues of public concern…and developing the knowledge and skills needed to address those issues (Longley, Robert. “What Is Civic Engagement? Definition and Examples.” ThoughtCo, Oct. 4, 2022, thoughtco.com/what-is-civic-engagement-definition-and-examples-5072704).” Citizen engagement can provide meaningful input for decision-making and project implementation. Decision makers realize public involvement and awareness is important –…