Suit against Boy Scouts dismissed

Judge John Luster has dismissed Camp Easton Forever's suit against the Boy Scouts Inland Northwest Council.

A copy of today's district court decision can be downloaded from this page.

Scout Executive Tim McCandless sent out the following the statement:

"The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people for success in life. Managing our resources wisely helps us make a life-changing impact on the youth in this community. The leadership of the Inland Northwest Council is very pleased with Judge Luster’s ruling today that dismisses the lawsuit.

This ruling will allow the council to evaluate all options that will enhance and secure our long-term ability to provide a great camp experience for our Scouts now and in the future.

Scouts in the Inland Northwest deserve the best that we can give them. Upon an agreement of terms, the proposed camp will offer many advantages over what we have today including year-round facilities, new program facilities, and improved safety and security and seclusion without a highway dividing the camp.

The agreement would also provide a $2.5 million endowment to ensure all our camps continue to be properly operated and maintained for the benefit of future generations of Scouts.

The next step in this process is to begin discussions with Discovery Land Company on terms for a new Camp Easton on Lake Coeur d’Alene that would accomplish everything that we want. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, Camp Easton will remain at its current location.

The Boy Scouts of America has been an active part of this area for 100 years and we will continue our ongoing service to youth and families. Wise property use, responsible land management and the practice of good stewardship of our resources has been a part of our council’s land management plans for decades.

The council’s leadership is committed to providing the strongest possible Scouting program for youth in our area and to building a strong foundation for Scouting’s future."