FERNAN: Group is wrong target

In reviewing Mr. Robert Smith’s “opinion” in Saturday’s My Turn, it becomes clear he harbors misplaced ill will toward Fernan Lake Conservation and Recreation Association. The majority of members of the FLCRA are not lake residents but live in Kootenai County and beyond.

He misquotes the association regarding any motivation to limit fishing or recreation on Fernan Lake. In fact that is our goal to enhance and improve the recreational use of Fernan Lake, while maintaining water quality for the enjoyment of all. We volunteer to monitor the water quality testing and report the findings to DEQ and University of Idaho for their evaluation and research. As far as I know, the only meeting Mr. Smith attended was when members were becoming educated on how to maintain lakefront property to minimize any negative nutriments getting into the lake, put on by Jim Ekins, water quality specialist from the University of Idaho.

The FLCRA has dedicated itself to maintaining and improving the quality of the lake and work diligently with the State of Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and current researchers to evaluate and try to solve and minimize further deterioration. Rather than making untrue accusations, we should all continue to work to improve and enjoy our local resources. I would encourage Mr. Smith to join the FLCRA and work with us to maintain and improve one of our incredible local resources, Fernan Lake.

WILLIAM MILLER

Coeur d’Alene