Restoring order on the water

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — The toned-down version of late-night noise on Lake Coeur d'Alene at Harrison this summer has been music to Paul Hoskinson's ears.

Hoskinson, owner of the Lake View Lodge above the Kootenai County-maintained marina at Harrison, pleaded with county commissioners early this summer that excessive noise at the marina and on the lake was driving away business.

Since county officials have been discussing ways to restore order and beefed up lake patrols, Hoskinson said he has noticed a boatload of improvement.

Hoskinson also said he believes a resolution addressing moorage of vessels at county facilities and noise that was unanimously approved by commissioners this week following a public hearing will help even more.

"We had a boat regatta last weekend and (the behavior) was very moderate," he said. "It's been a peaceful summer. Three thumbs up from the Lake View Lodge."

The resolution states that quiet hours are being implemented at county-owned or -managed facilities between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., and the practice of side-tying of multiple boats at such facilities is prohibited.

"Bad behavior by a few results in regulation on us all," Commissioner Bob Bingham said, summarizing both parts of the resolution. "We've had citizen complaints in the area of Harrison due to partying and the cranking up of stereos …"

Nick Snyder, the county's Parks and Waterways director, said the resolution will also need to be adopted by the city of Harrison.

He said the moorage portion of the resolution is intended to prevent damage to docks and pilings.

"When many vessels side-tie to one another and wind or wave action is present, it can cause damage to pilings, dock connections, cleats and other expensive infrastructure," Snyder said.

He said protecting taxpayer facilities is critical. The county, for example, recently spent $425,000 on improvements at Mowry Park northwest of Harrison.

Last year the cost to replace a mooring buoy was $3,000 as a private marine contractor with a barge and crane had to be called upon.

Regarding quiet hours, the resolution states noise levels should not be heard more than 100 feet from the sound's origin. It was the recommendation of the Sheriff's Office that the noise restriction could be more easily enforced by distance than a decibel meter.

"Deputies are not equipped with decibel meters, but they do have ears and can measure," Bingham said.

Hoskinson said the resolution now gives authorities something to stand on regarding enforcement on the lake at county facilities. It also gives residents something to refer to when asking others to follow the law, he said.

"People can feel empowered," he said. “Instead of feeling like they are the minority, they can be the majority."