WILDLIFE: Need river crossings

The ULUC has designated corridors through private ranch lands for wildlife movement. Ranch lands are not the problem.

Since we have ranched along the Coeur d’Alene River, wildlife on the move have crossed two county roads, I-90, our ranch and the Coeur d’Alene River at will.

On the Fourth of July evening, it happened that a large cow moose tried unsuccessfully to cross from our ranch to the south side of the river. Constant neighborhood jet ski traffic sent her back to the tree line in fear each time she approached the river, never getting within 75 yards of the water.

The State of Idaho owns several miles of lands on both sides of the Coeur d’Alene River; the Fish and Game Department manages these lands. Wildlife crossing zones could be designated. Boat traffic could be asked to proceed more slowly, with less noise.

Property owners’ taxes fund most of the county. How much do recreational boaters fund?

ROSE FRUTCHEY

Cataldo