Planning for Rathdrum Prairie future water needs: ID advisory committee seeks input on water management plan

November 4, 2010

CAMP News Release

An Advisory Committee appointed by the Idaho Water Resource Board is seeking citizen input and advice on a draft plan for the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. The plan provides recommendations to meet future water needs, prevent conflict over water resources, and protect the water quality of the aquifer. It will also prioritize future state investments in water.

The water plan, known as a Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan, is being developed at the request of the Idaho Water Resource Board and the Idaho Legislature. It addresses water supply and demand issues looking out 50 years into the future. The Board will consider the recommendations from the committee, adopt a final plan, and submit that final plan to the Idaho Legislature. The aquifer management plan will become part of the Idaho State Water Plan.

The Advisory Committee represents a variety of water interests, including local business leaders, elected officials, environmental representatives, government representatives, and local water providers. The Advisory Committee has been meeting over the past year to develop the draft plan. Before the committee submits its final recommendations to the Idaho Water Resource Board, it is seeking citizen input and advice.

The Advisory Committee will hold an open house from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 18, at the Community Room in the Coeur d’Alene Library. During that time, committee members will discuss the draft plan and be available to answer questions. Between 7:00 and 9:00 p.m., committee members will deliver a presentation that covers the plan in more detail.

There are several ways to provide input on the plan:

• Verbal and written comments can be submitted at the open house;

• Written comments can be submitted via e‐mail (iwrb‐info@idwr.idaho.gov) or through the mail (Rathdrum Prairie CAMP Comments, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, Idaho 83702); or

• Written comments may be submitted through an on‐line survey found on the main Rathdrum Prairie CAMP page at www.idwr.idaho.gov. Input will be accepted online until December 1, 2010.

Copies of the draft plan are available for review at the Coeur d’Alene public library and online at IDWR’s website: www.idwr.idaho.gov. More information about the Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan, including a list of committee members, can also be found on IDWR’s website.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Daisy Patterson at 406‐360‐ 9204 or e‐mail Daisy, daisy@cnrep.org.