In a recent article by Alecia Warren, published June 23, Jim Aucutt, chairman of the county Parks and Waterways Advisory Board was quoted as saying some things that need further clarification.

As quoted in the article, Aucutt stated: "The waters of the state of Idaho belong to the boaters. For 100 years, that bay has been blocked off because of the commercial industry. Now that they (logging companies) are gone, it's time to give it back to the boaters."

Either Mr. Aucutt was severely misquoted or he exhibits very little knowledge about Cougar Bay. Cougar Bay has never been restricted to boating other than to have a "No Wake" designation applied. It is currently - and to my direct knowledge has been since before 1970 - used by boaters, both motorized and non-motorized for a variety of activities.

Fishermen come to Cougar Bay for the northern pike and bass. Hunters in their "cami-duck" boats come, tie to the pilings, put out their decoys and wait for the waterfowl. Birdwatchers, in a variety of watercraft, motorized and non-motorized, cruise the bay observing osprey in their nests, cormorants and mergansers as they fish for a meal, eagles, and on occasion, four-legged wildlife coming to the bay for a drink.

Weekends often bring folks in their cabin cruisers into the bay where they tie up to the booms or pilings or they drop anchor elsewhere in the bay. These boaters enjoy Cougar Bay and its peaceful, quiet setting.

For the past few years, there has been a group of three boats that have been tying up together for the weekend. They are quiet and obviously come to the bay for the peaceful atmosphere. Other boaters come into the bay to jump off their boats for a swim without worrying about being run down by a boat or personal watercraft.

Groups of kayakers and canoeists, some from NIC classes, paddle into the bay to practice their skills in a safe setting and to observe the wildlife. Certainly the close proximity to Coeur d'Alene and the Blackwell Island boat launch allows easy access to our local residents as well as out of town folks.

The issue of the danger posed by the pilings and booms should be mitigated by the "No Wake Zone" speed limitation. If one is proceeding at a "No Wake" speed, running into a piling should not be a problem. Yes, some of the damaged pilings will need to be removed but again boaters have always been responsible for watching out for navigational hazards.

Lastly, Mr Aucutt's statement that "The waters of the state of Idaho belong to the boaters," should come as a shock to the citizens of Idaho who swim off the beaches, picnic on the shores, or fish from the shoreline. I guess I have been mistaken in thinking that the waters of the state belong to the CITIZENS of the state.

Cougar Bay needs to remain a peaceful, tranquil bay to be used by humans and wildlife alike.

David Larsen is a Coeur d'Alene resident.