SANDPOINT — A professor from the University of Idaho shared early findings of a study on the economic impact of Lake Pend Oreille’s level at the recent “What’s Happening Up North” economic summit.

While the report done by UI professors Steven Peterson and Timothy Nadreau isn’t finished yet, they are planning to present the finished conclusions at the next Lakes Commission meeting Oct. 30. Currently, control of the lake’s level is held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 

At the summit, Peterson spoke about the methodology behind the study and early takeaways.  

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

To conduct the study, Peterson and Nadreau collected numerous data points from daily water levels going back to 1980 to cellphone data and credit card receipts. They said they used this data to track how much money was being spent by visitors and not locals. 

In addition to this data, they ran a survey asking locals in the area about their recreation habits and the lake’s level. Peterson said they received 1,523 responses on the survey, which he said was a remarkable result for study. 

"In my universe that’s fantastic,” Peterson said about the response rate. “We have completed most, if not all, of our individual business owner and stakeholder interviews. There will probably be 10 or 15 more to be completed in the next couple of weeks.” 

Peterson said by their estimate, around 35% of Bonner County income comes from recreation and tourism, which emphasizes the need for this study. He said they would be looking back to see the impact on the county, if the lake levels were more certain. 

District 1 Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint, was in attendance and said the study is great progress. He mentioned there is potential for another study from the University of Idaho’s Idaho Water Research Insitute to work on the hydrology of the lake. 

"I’m looking forward to this study being done so we can keep banging on our drum and hopefully make some positive change for our area,” Sauter said. “Professor Peterson has really helped us give, what we think is true, that the economics of our area rise and fall with the lake, some math and science behind it.” 

Sauter said he’s spent time talking with people who live down stream of the lake to make them aware of the studies. He said the Pend Oreille County, Wash., commissioners are aware and in support of the continued research into lake levels. 

The completed study is set to be presented by Peterson and Nadreau at the Lakes Commission meeting Oct. 30, which will take place in the Sandpoint Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.