PAYETTE LAKE BOATING RULES ADOPTED
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star News-August 2nd, 2007
New rules for boating on Payette Lake, including a 300-foot no-wake zone and water-skiing restrictions, were passed on Monday by Valley County commissioners.
The new rules will take effect on Dec. 31.
The adoption comes more than a year after the Payette Lake Protective League first proposed comprehensive rules for boating on the lake.
Here are the highlights of the adopted ordinance:
* A 300-foot no-wake zone around the lake with the exception of The Narrows and islands.
* Water-ski starts from shore and docks must take a direct route out to the no-wake zone.
Skiers can be dropped off in the no-wake zone, but the boat pulling the skier must remain outside the no-wake zone. [note: technically not true. The commissioners made it clear that the boat pulling the skier on a return may be in the no-wake zone safe water zone but, like any other boat, must go at no-wake speed when in the no-wake zone safe water zone]
* Motorized use in the North Fork of the Payette River "meanders" north of the lake was banned. The only exception was for boats with electric motors and only at a no-wake speed.
* A daytime speed limit was set at 50 mph and a nighttime speed limit was set at 20 mph.
* People may not live on their boat for more than 15 days per month.
Some proposals from the protective league did not make the final ordnance.
Gone is a date for banning of two-stroke engines on the lake.
Also removed were a maximum boat size, a boat operator photo identification requirement and a ban on over-the-transom exhaust systems.
Committee created
Commissioner Gordon Cruickshank was charged to create a committee to look at expanding the ordinance to Lake Cascade and possibly Warm Lake. During Monday's meeting, Cruickshank suggested tabling the Payette Lake ordinance while a committee was formed to make an ordinance for the entire county.
He suggested that the committee be made up of motorized and nonmotorized boat users of Lake Cascade and Payette Lake, a representative from Warm Lake, representatives from the Bureau of Reclamation, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, the Valley County Sheriff's Office and the Valley County Waterways Committee.
Cruickshank made the suggestion after questioning why the Payette Lake Protective League was allowed to write the ordinance for the county.
"I don't believe anybody has been left out of the discussion," commissioner Frank Eld said. "I greatly respect the Payette Lake Protective League for writing this ordinance."
Cruickshank voted against the passage of the overall ordinance, although he voted for most of the provisions as they were brought up for individual votes during the meeting.
Cruickshank wanted a 200-foot no-wake zone and wanted more information to identify areas in the lakes where different no-wake zone lengths would be appropriate.
"Let's do it once, and let's do it right for everyone in Valley County," Cruickshank said.
Eld disagreed. "I think we've had a lot of input into this," Eld said. "To say we need to go back to square one is just not right."
Initially, Commissioner Jerry Winkle agreed with Cruickshank that the ordinance could be tabled as long as there was a date certain for the committee to report to the board of commissioners.
"By adopting this, we would create the basis," Eld said. "We've finally created a baseline."
Eld did not want the new committee to change what progress the board of commissioners had made on Monday.
He was not opposed to a committee being formed to look at an ordinance for other lakes.
"I'd like to see this on all lakes," Eld said.
Winkle then proposed a compromise where the committee was to be formed and the new adopted ordinance would go into effect on Dec. 31, with or without further comment from the new committee.
"We do have to take all of Valley County into consideration," Winkle said.
--
Tom Grote, Editor and Publisher
The Star-News
1000 First St. McCall, ID 83638
(208) 634-2123
starnews@citlink.net
__________________________________________________________
To: Editor, Star News
From: Payette Lake Protective League
The Payette Lake Protective League wishes to commend Commissioners Winkle and Eld for their capacity to listen carefully, weigh conflicting opinions, reach a decision and act on that decision. By amending and then adopting an ordinance for safe and fair use of Big Payette Lake that takes into account the needs of all users, they have shown that they understand the pressures being placed on the lake by increasing use, and the need for sensible regulation.
Thanks for listening and acting.
Payette Lake Protective League, Inc
Cutler Umbach, President
__________________________________________________________
What Payette Lake Means to You
Payette Lake is a jewel that Idahoans and out-of-state visitors have treasured for years, whether boating, fishing, swimming or just enjoying the exquisite natural setting. It is the aesthetic and recreational centerpiece of central Idaho.
However, Payette Lake is a “limited recreational resource”. With increasing use, the qualities that attract so many visitors are in danger. The lake experience must be protected for all users – boaters, swimmers, beachgoers, nearby residents and wildlife.
Payette Lake Protective League
The Payette Lake Protective League was formed in 2003. The League is a non-profit Idaho corporation committed to “protecting and preserving the lake environment with regard to air and water quality, noise pollution, personal safety and wildlife habitat.” The League is a is federally recognized 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
Our Plans for Protecting the “Payette Lake Experience”
Our first undertaking was to commission an in-depth study of the impacts of power boat use on Payette Lake. This study is the only comprehensive look at these issues and concerns ever completed, and is a principal tool in our efforts to inform the public and develop management strategies that better protect the lake.
• Education
The League works to inform and educate the public, using current scientific information, about the importance of exercising courtesy on the lake and complying with the latest regulations regarding boating and swimming.
• Management Strategies
Insofar as allowed by federal income tax laws, and using public input and the best available science, the League will encourage government to enact and enforce appropriate legislation to protect the lake.
Why Join with Us?
When you join the Payette Lake Protective League, you become part of a large and growing voice speaking out in defense of the “Payette Lake Experience”. Through our newsletters and website, you are kept informed about issues affecting Payette Lake and actions you can take to help.
The League counts on the financial support of those who, like you, are interested in protecting those qualities that draw us to Payette Lake.
This site was
published May 5th, 2006 © Diamond Age Graphics and
Photography. A special
thanks to Cheryl Flinn for help and
support.
