WATERWAYS: Open for all

As a fortunate and proud owner of waterfront property on the Spokane River since 2015, I have three young kids and we spend most of our free time on the waterways. We boat respectfully within the rules established, as do all the people I know, with the utmost consideration for other boaters and landowner/homeowners alike.

Sadly, a few squeaky wheels continue to target a specific type of recreational activity under a pretense of environmental protection and waterway safety. Along with so many others who enjoy watersports on the Spokane River, I am appealing to the commissioners to protect Idaho’s waterways for the public. Please do not cater to the wishes of a few disgruntled homeowners based on misguided information.

If the concern is shoreline erosion, the science shows that it is wind, current and other natural weather patterns that cause the most change to shorelines over time. If the concern is damage to docks and waterfront, this means those structures are not constructed properly.

The Coeur d’Alene area is in the national news as the most desirable place to live in the U.S. Some of the reasons cited include our natural resources, outdoor lifestyle and general tone of self-responsibility and respect.

As our population grows, we will have more boats and more water turbulence regardless of boat type. Let’s not model the behavior of other areas that lead to declining property values, loss of freedom and ultimately destruction of a beautiful place by actions of a few self-absorbed hypocrites. We must stand united against this destructive dogmatism.

TED HUGHES and FAMILY

Post Falls