Public hearing on no-wake zone today

A public hearing to consider a proposed no-wake zone at Honeysuckle Bay on Hayden Lake is scheduled for the Kootenai County board of commissioners meeting today at 2 p.m. 

The resolution, permitted under Kootenai County Code Section 6-2-22, would require boaters to maintain idle speed and prohibit any wake while enjoying the popular cove location.

A draft of the proposed resolution is available on the county website, kcgov.us. 

Limitations on the popular Hayden Lake destination have been discussed by the county for almost two years, tracing back to a proposal in 2019.

Kootenai waterways have seen varying restrictions on boat-induced waves since 2019, notably the 150-foot no excessive wake rule — previously 100-foot — on the Spokane River, Lower Twin Lake, Fernan Lake and other waterways. The wake rule which was approved by commissioners last May. 

Public testimony will be available today, but written comments sent to kcbocc@kcgov.us are encouraged.

Citizens can submit questions on the resolution to the Kootenai County Parks and Waterways Department at kcparks@kcgov.us or 208-446-1275.