STATE LAND AUCTION: Disregard for family’s legacy

The article informing the public about the IDL’s auction of Priest Lake properties completely disregarded the human aspect of a public auction and the detriment it will have on families. Many of these cottage sites have improved properties, meaning cabins built by the blood, sweat and tears of generations of families. They’ve been leasing the land from the state of Idaho because that was their only option for decades.

Instead of giving the families the first rights of refusal at the appraised value (decided by the state), they are at the risk of losing their family homes for good. The sentimental value from generations of cousins, grandparents, friends and family are completely disregarded.

Now, the Idaho Department of Lands has the audacity to create online bidding, so people with deep pockets can hide behind screens and rip away the legacies of Priest Lake generational families. Next time, the IDL wants to “advertise” their sale, let it be known, that the inherent devastation and problematic methods should also be made public.

JAMIE MCGINNIS-GREEN

Priest Lake