Hey Bonner County. I was in town recently visiting family and friends

While enjoying my typically morning walk down Camp Bay Road, I was surprised to see all the earthwork and new roads under construction. Upon review of some local real estate brochures, I discovered the public road to beautiful Camp Bay will be converted to a private road and gated. It seems the wealthy people able to afford the new lots don’t want the general public to infringe on their exclusive access to the lake.

I understand that development happens, but I can’t believe that Bonner County would eliminate public access to the lake. Also, none of my old friends in the Sagle area knew about the future gate on Camp Bay Road. Now I may not know all the details, but I’ve been enjoying the road since I could ride a bike (50 years) and my understanding from the old-timers is that the county road used to go clear to the water edge before the dam was built. Steamboats would pick up wood and fishermen used to deliver their blueback catches to buyers in Camp Bay all using the pubic road. I think it is short-sighted to eliminate public access to Camp Bay. If the gate is built, people will not be able to see Camp Bay unless you own property behind the gate.

I wonder if the two ladies I see walking down to Camp Bay realize they will lose their route.     

JOHNNY HILL

Woodland, California