SANDPOINT — The results of a study examining the economic impact of Lake Pend Oreille water levels are set to be discussed at the Lakes Commission’s Thursday meeting.

Conducted by University of Idaho professors Steven Peterson and Timothy Nadreau, the study examines if the lake level of Lake Pend Oreille can be manipulated to extend the region’s tourism season. Peterson attended the “What’s Happening Up North” economic summit in September to share some early takeaways from the study. 

"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.”   

Currently, control of Lake Pend Oreille levels is in the hands of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Brent Baker, executive director of the Pend Oreille Economic Partnership and board member of the Lakes Commission, said the study will give residents concrete numbers to something that they have long speculated about. 

"We jointly funded, the Lakes Commission and University of Idaho, this study,” Baker said. “When we agreed to be a part of this whole system, we were told that a priority would be given to the economic and natural benefits to the local community... and we feel like over the history of the thing, it hasn't really been given proper consideration.” 

The professors collected numerous data points beginning with daily water levels dating back to 1980. Peterson and Nadreau said they also analyzed cell phone data and credit card receipts to examine how much money was being spent by those visiting the area. 

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

At the economic summit, District 1 Rep. Mark Sauter, R-Sandpoint, said he hopes that the study will prove that the economic levels are deeply impacted by the lake’s level. He said that another study conducted by the University of Idaho’s Water Research Institute to examine the hydrology of Lake Pend Oreille, is being investigated. 

"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. "I spent an hour and a half with the county commissioners of Pend Oreille County... so they’re well aware of what we are working on and supportive of our efforts.” 

Other items on the agenda include an overview of the Priest Lake Outlet Dam’s operations by the Idaho Department of Water Resources, Bonneville Power Administration Overview and a presentation about the city of Sandpoint’s $130 million wastewater treatment plant bond. 

The Lakes Commission’s meeting is set to begin at 10 a.m. in the Sandpoint Center, with the study’s results being scheduled to be presented at 10:50 a.m.