SAGLE - The breakwater at Lake Pend Oreille's Garfield Bay is history.

The 30-year-old breakwater, which was composed of heavy equipment tires, makeshift buoys and steel cable, was removed this month.

The privately-owned breakwater shielded Garfield Shores and Marina Club's docks and other docks on the east side of the bay from prevailing winds from the southwest.

But when storms lashed the breakwater, tires were prone to breaking free, which created navigational hazards for boaters. Garfield Shores estimated it spent $50,000-$70,000 annually to keep the breakwater intact.

The Idaho Department of Lands put Garfield Shores on notice in 2012 that it would have to develop a long-term solution. Stakeholders in the bay had considered state grant funding or even forming a taxing district to fund a solution.

But none of those efforts succeeded. A replacement breakwater was expected to cost at least $500,000.

A 2007 storm with 80-mph winds caused the breakwater to shift and expose Garfield Shore's docks, which compressed like an accordion and trapped several boats.

Another powerful storm pummeled the breakwater and docks again last July.

"That was really the last straw," said Garfield Bay resident Jerry Luther.

Bonner County Waterways Director Leslie Marshall said the storm was particularly damaging.

"It was bad. We went down to take a look and they were all torn up," Marshall said.

The out-of-state owner of Garfield Shores could not be immediately reached for comment. It's not clear if the breakwater will be replaced.

Residents say the breakwater was the only line of defense against storms sweeping through the bay. Skip Young, the operator of Odie's Bayside Market, said the effect of the breakwater's removal has not yet been felt.

"But we haven't had a big windstorm yet," Young said.