RIVER: Problems aplenty

The article in the CDA Press 8/17 was good news for the people of Harrison in regard to bad behavior by a few boaters. Now that their problem is solved maybe they can do something about the noise pollution and erosion on the Spokane River. Both have been worse in the last four or five years than the previous 20 years in several areas.

The county park on Driftwood Drive a few years ago had to remove dead and dying trees because of the erosion. Now a few years later, there are two more trees with roots being exposed that will have to be removed for safety. These trees were 12 to 15 feet from the water’s edge not long ago. The people using this area are walking over roots and in a dangerous play area. This problem is caused by a small percent of boaters, maybe 2 or 3 percent, who don’t properly trim their boats to get on plane or plow through the water making waves on purpose. The noise problem is the loud speakers that can be heard 5 minutes before the boats arrive and 5 minutes after it they’re gone.

We need people to police themselves and act responsibly and allow everyone to enjoy the beauty of the area and feel welcome.

If we can’t, we will have more laws passed and more taxes to pay to enforce them, and a no-wake zone on the whole river.

RALPH HARVEY

Coeur d’Alene