MOUNTAIN: Yes on public use

The GEM committee is excited and supports the opening up of the mountain property for public use. The city of Rathdrum has acreage close to the city that could be used for hiking, picnicking and other low density uses. What a wonderful asset the city has that could be created and used by the people in the area. The city is gathering information to make an informed decision and try to address the concerns of all the people in the area, not just a select few homeowners.

Instead of saying no one should use the property or let’s just leave it alone, why don’t we as a community come up with the best way to make it work for all of us? For example, the city has said they would patrol with their officers that are cross deputized for county areas. There are ideas of having a host at a gated entrance that can also keep an eye on the property. There are solutions to the concerns. When you weigh the recreation and good this property could provide for everyone in the area it is exciting. The city has said that they are looking at low impact and low-cost ideas. They are currently early in the process and trying to look at all ideas and will then narrow it down to what would work best. The GEM committee, a citizen’s advisory group, works with the city in identifying projects that would benefit the city and this is one that should be encouraged.

KRIS STOREY

Secretary

GEM Committee