ALLIANCE: Yes to water siphon

We write in response to the article by Keith Kinnaird on Feb. 24 concerning the proposal for a cold-water siphon at the Priest Lake outlet. In principle this siphon could lower the temperature of the water in Priest River. This would make the river a better environment for trout and increase the number of anglers.

Our organization, The Selkirk Conservation Alliance has been monitoring the water quality in Priest Lake for 20 years. The lake has been and remains a healthy oligotrophic lake. We can think of no objections to the water siphon project and give it our full support.

The Kinnaird article raises a very important point. If this project were to increase the quality of water in Priest River it could be a boon to the economy of the area but it would be an add-on to the attraction of the lake itself. The quality of the water in the lake, the rugged mountain vistas of the Selkirks and the wilderness surrounding the lake has been for a long time and continues to be an attractant for tourists and thus a key part of the economy of North Idaho. It has always been our goal to protect Priest Lake and in doing this we are working in synchrony with the interests of the citizens of North Idaho.

STEVE BOOTH

JOHN ABELSON

For the Selkirk Conservation Alliance Board of Directors