SANDPOINT — Preliminary results from a University of Idaho study found that the current management of Lake Pend Oreille is costing the region $44 million in tourism revenue.  

The professors behind the study, Steven Peterson and Timothy Nadreau, presented their data and early findings to the Lakes Commission on Thursday. They said they conducted the study by analyzing what a 60-day increase to the lake level’s summer pool duration could do for the regional economy. 

"You compare the numbers that we have generated here from the tourism effects from extending the full summer pool, and we are basically saying the tourism segment of your economy is 10 or 11% smaller than it should be,” Nadreau said. 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers currently operate the Albeni Falls dam that controls the levels of Lake Pend Oreille. The dam is managed to generate power for the Bonneville Power Administration, natural fish spawning, mitigating flood risk and recreation.  

The conclusion was based on a policy recommendation that would see the winter pool level of the lake rise to 2,058 feet from 2,052 feet. The recommendation would also begin filling the lake to its summer pool of 2,062 feet earlier, making it open for use May 1. 

In the study, the professors found a lack of certainty in the summer pool’s duration, finding that it fluctuates by up to 48 days. At the Pend Oreille Partnership’s economic summit, Peterson said this uncertainty is a detriment to the region’s tourism.   

"We think the uncertainty itself is a huge detrimental factor to people in their recreation activities and the people who live here,” Peterson said at the summit. “Recreation and tourism have its own volatility ... but with that said, the uncertainty of the lake level has an adverse effect on it.”     

Notably the professors said that the proposed management system did not account for natural elements like shore erosion or fish habitat. They said the management system will need further studying before any decision can be made, but that their results do confirm that the lake levels are a key factor in the region's economy. 

Tourism accounts for around 9% or $410 million of Bonner County’s economic output and around 18% of jobs in the county, according to data in the study. Peterson said in comparison to Kootenai County, Bonner County’s tourism shows room for growth. 

The study did not consider residents’ spending on recreation in their model, only “new” tourism dollars from those who are visiting. Peterson said this was done to make the model as focused and defendable as possible. 

"What we are measuring here is new money coming into the economy,” Peterson said. “There is some of that spending that this will not include and maybe that’s something we can look at as well, but we are very focused.” 

Attendees of the Lakes Commission meeting said they feel that a longer recreation season and higher lake level would increase locals’ spending as well. Among them, Elmer Hamilton said he feels a higher winter pool level would bring more activity to the lake in the winer. 

The professors said that winter recreation on the lake was also not a factor in the study, as it would be difficult to measure the tourism dollars being spent on lake recreation, instead of at Schweitzer. 

Ford Elsaesser, chairman of the Lakes Commission, said the results confirm the thoughts of local stakeholders: the lake level is directly tied to the economy. He thanked the professors and University of Idaho, which helped fund the study alongside the commission. 

"The commission feels a sense of vindication, not just for the commission, but for all the folks in Bonner County who have always suspected a large economic impact,” Elsaesser said. “This is something the Lakes Commission has been advocating since its inception.” 

Idaho state Sen. Jim Woodward, R-Sagle, who attended the meeting, said he looks forward to trying to find a balance between the economic needs of the community. He said that this is not about limiting the Bonneville Power Administration’s ability to generate power or income but finding a system that works better for the region. 

“We hope that this is a revisit of a system that has been in place since the early '50s," Woodward said. “We hope that we are in a time where we can manage the flood risk, generate the power and maximize the benefits here on the lake.” 

The full study is expected to be completed by December, Elsaesser said. Once those results are in, he said the commission will continue advocating to change the operation of lake levels. 

“We shouldn’t bear the brunt to the extent of losing a substantial part of our recreational season we think we are entitled to under the enabling legislation,” Elsaesser said. “Now we have numbers that we can put to that concern, instead of just telling the world we know it has an impact.”