SHORELINES: Stand up and protect them

The March 14th article, "Protecting our Shorelines," that appeared in The Press is an example of a prime oxymoron, almost humorous with its headline. But it is no laughing matter when laws and ordinances to protect our lands and waters try to be circumvented by creative developers and their representatives to allow their projects to go forward.

What's really interesting, but not surprising, is that some of the individuals pushing to allow for this proposed amendment, expanding building along our precious shorelines, are the same individuals who used to be dictating to everyone else, often incorrectly, the interpretation of the rules surrounding shoreline building. Of course it's now confusing - for builders and citizens alike. Since those individuals have gone into private practice, the rules are finally being interpreted correctly and this interpretation conflicts with many of the projects some of those past County employees are now representing.

The County is presently in the process of hiring outside experts to write the new ordinances and zoning regulations for our community. It would be premature and benefit a handful of individuals, at the expense of many, to allow this amendment to the Kootenai County ordinance for shoreline building to go through at this time. Being pushed forward by those mentioned in your article is an obvious attempt to allow for projects that would otherwise not be permitted, either now with the existing ordinance, nor definitely in the future. Projects that wouldn't be allowed for a reason - they would have negative impacts to our lake! Don't blow a hole in the entire ordinance now. Protect our waters and our shorelines, which are already suffering from years of abuse. This "anything goes" attitude along the shoreline will be the final nail in our beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene.

People may comment at a public hearing when the commissioners meet April 7 at 10 a.m. in the BOCC Chambers.

BEV TWILLMANN

Neighbors for Responsible Growth

Harrison