Meet the Bay Watchers, Members of the U of I Citizen Scientist Program

Meet the Bay Watchers, Members of the U of I Citizen Scientist Program

Recently, the Community Water Resource Center (CWRC) at the U of I in Coeur d’Alene wrapped up its third year of citizen scientist data collection on Coeur d’Alene Lake with the Bay Watchers. The Bay Watchers is a dynamic group of volunteers that meet with CWRC outreach employees once a month to monitor water quality parameters in their local area or bay on the Lake. The program now samples 12 sites on the Lake for different water quality parameters. The Bay Watchers…

Exploring The Basin: The Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s

Exploring The Basin: The Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s

The Coeur d’Alene Basin, land of the Schitsu’umsh people or the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, has always been considered a beautiful place and a not-so hidden gem. One of the attractions of our area is the beautiful Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s. This asphalted trail covers 73 miles and is a longtime favorite of bikers everywhere. In addition to its recreational reputation and popularity, this trail has a unique history. It’s common knowledge that this area has a lot of history…

Saskatoon Serviceberry, a shrub native to North Idaho

Water Conservation Through Native Landscaping

Guest author: Kathy Hutton, Plants of the Wild The term “Native Landscaping” has been in the conversation for decades. I have been in the industry for 35 years and have seen a slow evolution into making the practice of using natives in your landscape a successful reality. When I say slow, I mean SLOW!! I have worked with different nurseries, landscapers, extension offices, etc. for the last 25 years promoting the use of native plants in landscaping and teaching homeowners…

ARPA Funding, Advisory Groups and Why They Matter

On June 30, 2022, a press release was sent out outlining a historic initiative concerning water in the State of Idaho. Governor Brad Little, through his Leading Idaho initiative, is providing funding for agriculture, education and transportation at the state level. An exciting part of this initiative locally involves Coeur d’Alene Lake. Governor Little allocated $2 million for Coeur d’Alene Lake nutrient reduction projects in 2021. In 2022, an additional $20 million has been allocated to further the effort to…

Keeping Coeur d’Alene Lake’s Water Quality in Check

Keeping Coeur d’Alene Lake’s Water Quality in Check

Did you know Coeur d’Alene Lake is part of the Bunker Hill Mining and Metallurgical Complex Superfund Site? A recent Our Gem community survey revealed fewer than 30 percent of respondents were aware the Lake is included in the Superfund Site. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed the site on the National Priorities List in 1983, which seeks to address legacy impacts of mining, primarily heavy metals contamination. The Superfund Site consists of three distinct areas, one of which includes…

Mudgy and Millie Want to See Only Rain Down the Drain

Mudgy and Millie Want to See Only Rain Down the Drain

Mudgy and Millie, the loveable moose and mouse combo who started their journey right here in Coeur d’Alene, have a new message that will be revealed June 15 during Live After 5. They have recently teamed up with Idaho State Department of Agriculture, the University of Idaho, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the City of Coeur d’Alene, Avista and the Arts Commission. The dynamic duo will be featured on a new sign located near the Third Street Boat Launch. Two…

The Confluence Project Is Making Science Fun!

The Confluence Project Is Making Science Fun!

There weren’t programs like this in schools in the past. This program is unique to North Idaho. The curriculum was created by graduate students at the University of Idaho. The TCP committee works with teachers in the Panhandle to prepare students with this curriculum, and then they accompany them on field trips offered throughout the year. Scientific experts help students collect accurate data and work with them understand its importance.

The Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer (light blue shading). Photo: Lisa Waananen, Inlander.com.

Kootenai County Takes Action to Protect Ground Water

Written by David Callahan, Director of Kootenai County Development Idaho is the fastest growing state in the nation, and Kootenai County is the third fastest growing county in the state. This new growth is mostly occurring over the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer, where the use of septic systems is common for any development located in the unincorporated county. Increased numbers of septic systems over the aquifer, if not adequately spaced, can significantly deteriorate the aquifer’s water quality. Why does this matter?…

Avoid Stormwater Poo-llution and Pick Up After Your Pet

Avoid Stormwater Poo-llution and Pick Up After Your Pet

This story was written by the Our Gem Collaborative team for the CDA Press on Sunday, Mar. 20, 2022. Read the original article. Spring showers are quickly washing away the snow that has lingered since the beginning of the year. As snow recedes, many long-buried treasures are revealed like that one soggy glove you’ve been looking for all winter, but the most frustrating remnant of winter snowmelt is something that pollutes our waters with bacteria and nutrients. Waterlogged dog poop now…

SEEP class participants work together to install an erosion control blanket. (Photo: M. Schmidt)

Keeping Dirt Where It Belongs

Founded in 2005, the Panhandle Stormwater and Erosion Education Program (SEEP) was designed at the request of contractors and design professionals. They felt tools existed to prevent the physical destruction of local water resources and avoid costly enforcement fines and they wanted to share those tools with the public. A steering committee was formed consisting of agency and university representatives, consultants and construction professionals to create an educational program with certification. Since the inception of the program, over 950 people have been SEEP certified in erosion control practices.