ST. JOE: Speak up for the river

Have you ever boated, fished or picnicked on the lower St. Joe River? The serene Shadowy St. Joe seems to draw people like a magnet.

The river's allure may be the cause of its eventual degradation. There is an application pending that would allow 28 commercial docks within a short distance on the river. A hearing will be held on this application at 6 p.m. May 11 in the Federal Building in St. Maries, 222 W. Seventh St.

Please attend this hearing to present your views on this application.

If it is impossible to attend, then please write your comments to Ken Ockfen, Idaho Department of Lands, at the Federal Building address. Please also send your comments to the Benewah County Commissioners at the Benewah County Courthouse, St. Maries ID 83861. The commissioners are the only people with the authority to set guidelines and zoning for river use.

When commenting, please consider boat and swimmer safety, water quality and the effects of boat wakes on the riverbanks.

JANET LAKE

Kellogg