4C Natural Resources Committee meets May 1
The 4C Natural Resources Committee is an informal group of agency officials, local department managers and supervisors, and interested citizens that meet once a month to discuss natural resource matters, issues, concerns, and opportunities to remain informed on related topics and to broaden members' understanding of these issues affecting the North Idaho area.
The group meets again Wednesday, May 1, at noon at the Iron Horse Bar and Grill, 407 E. Sherman Ave., Coeur d'Alene. It is a follow-up to last month's meeting about boat launches and waterfront access on Lake Coeur d'Alene and the Spokane River. The challenges facing boaters seeking access this summer and opportunities for the future will be discussed. Coeur d'Alene Parks Director Doug Eastwood is expected to attend.
Originally started during Gov. Cecil Andrus' administration as a way to improve communication and efficiencies among state and federal agencies doing projects affecting natural resources in local communities, the stated intent of the committee was to bring common issues to the table with programs and announcements so appropriate action could be discussed, recommended, and reviewed as the group felt advisable.
The four counties of Kootenai, Shoshone, Benewah and Latah have long shared a mutual interest in improving conditions and lake and river access to Lake Coeur d'Alene and its boat accessible tributaries and chain lakes. In recent years, most participants are from Kootenai County, but as issues arise surrounding interests are welcome and included.
The group serves as a forum for timely information from those involved as well as from presenters at luncheon programs generally about studies, actions, and proposals impacting the natural resources of the area. The group has often made recommendations to legislators and government officials based on discussion of issues raised at the meetings.
The organization is proud of the continuity of the group and its activities over the past 30-plus years of service in spite of having no dues or organizational ties to any other group. This has been possible because various agencies and departments send representatives monthly, and in the past donated production and mailing costs, now maintained by volunteers through the Internet.
Meetings are the first Wednesday of each month, at noon at the Iron Horse Restaurant in Coeur d'Alene. Meeting notes are kept for reference and members in attendance may make motions to recommend action or support programs, projects or activities.
The group has recognized individuals, agencies and entities with interest in areas of natural resource protection, preservation or enhancement. Recreational opportunities in the Idaho Panhandle are particularly of interest and many actions and endeavors have been successfully supported and sometimes initiated with letters and grant sponsorship.
Examples are initial support and endorsement for the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail on the Idaho-Montana state line, early support for the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, funding expediting and enhancement for the BLM Blackwell Island land acquisition and boat launch construction, funding support for other BLM land acquisitions including Blue Creek Bay and Windy Bay, support for Cougar Bay land acquisitions and habitat protection, grants and project development for a multi-agency watershed protection road relocation project on the Blue Creek drainage and for the Northern Pacific trail segment between the Hale Fish Hatchery and Lookout Pass that included a vault toilet and signs.
The informal organization has a Program and Issues Chair or Co-chairs, but no formal election of officers at the present time, and meeting notes are taken but no formal minutes.
Information: Sandy Emerson, 769-7046 or Geoff Harvey, 769-1422