McEUEN: Boaters deserve better

I am very concerned about the potential loss of the Third Street boat launch. This launch removal will cause over crowding at the other launches with the effect of pushing many boaters off the lake during peak boater periods. As the population increases in Kootenai County and nearby Washington, the situation will only get worse. The Idaho State Parks Dept. has acknowledged this problem in a letter I recently received from them.

When the Blackwell Island launch was built by the BLM, they stated that the new launch would supplement existing facilities - NOT REPLACE THEM. The idea that boaters can just go somewhere else shows a complete lack of understanding about the problem of public access to Lake Coeur d'Alene. Further compounding the problem is probable court action involving the Booth's Park Access and the potential loss of the boat launch at that location.

At the McEuen meeting on Jan. 6, there was a suggestion that the Third Street launch just be moved somewhere else. The nature of a boat launch requires it to be on the water and have parking for vehicles with boat trailers. This fact results in boat launches being located on waterfront property which is very desirable and expensive. Boat launches can't be located out of the way on 15th Street or Ramsey Road. However, most of the McEuen proposals could be located at another park greatly lowering their expense.

To those who want the Third Street launch removed I suggest you find another comparable location for the launch and parking. Also you might locate the funding, work through the permit process, and finally see it built. After all this is done, consideration of removing the existing launch might be appropriate. Until then leave it where it is. All boaters should be very worried about how this proposed launch removal will affect their access to the lake.

WILLIAM WOLFE

Coeur d'Alene