As summer is starting to fade into fall I am reminded and wishing for that amazing warm weather we saw this season. With that weather and current pollutants found in lakes, two documented blue green algae blooms exploded in Fernan and Hayden lakes causing health advisories and shutting down lake access. Why is Blue Green Algae showing up in our lakes? Blue Green Algae is more »
Two weeks ago KEA held a Volunteer Lake Monitors kayaking trip. The morning was beautiful and calm, perfect for enjoying the beauty of CdA Lake and Spokane River. The 9 volunteers and KEA geared up and launched out in boats provided by North Idaho College Outdoor Pursuits. We headed downstream towards three stormwater outfall pipes. Here is where we discussed the impacts of stormwater pollution more »
On a Wednesday morning a group of motivated students, part of Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education partnered with Kootenai Environmental Alliance to stencil storm drains with the message, “DUMP NO WASTE, FLOWS TO OUR LAKE.” These volunteers dedicated their time to raise awareness about stormwater pollution. Many people are under the assumption that these storm drains, that have become so apart of the landscape more »
Sad news from Hayden Lake. Long-time KEA member and a great friend of clean water has passed away. The unfortunate details from facebook: Hayden Lake native Gerald “Gerry” House, 73, died at the North Idaho Hospice House on June 30 after a courageous six-year battle with multiple myeloma. Gerry’s friends are invited to a gathering at the Avondale Golf Club from 4 p.m. to 6:30 more »
Hey kids! Still looking for something interesting to do this summer? We’ve got a summer job for you. Our project grant for the summer just arrived and we need one or two summer students to do some specific research on one of the most important water quality concerns in our region. Now that our funding is here, we are hiring ASAP. Although we’re not paying more »
Hey law students! Still looking for something interesting to do this summer? We’ve got a job for you. We were just awarded a project grant for the summer and we need one or two law students to do some specific research and writing for the project. It is, of course, related to our never-ending efforts to protect North Idaho’s environment. Although we’re not paying very more »
Our 2nd annual Earth Day Gala was a 2nd annual success last Friday at the Hayden Lake Country Club. Dinner was served, items were auctioned, money was raised, speeches were given, and fun was had. Special thanks to all three Kootenai County Commissioners who joined us for our 40th Anniversary celebration. At the Gala, KEA President Janet Torline presented awards to some great KEA members more »
I don’t know what you’ve heard. But it’s probably true. Indeed, after almost three years as executive director, I am leaving the day-to-day employment of Kootenai Environmental Alliance. In June, along with the family breadwinner (the Peyton Manning of academic law librarians), I will be relocating to Orange, California where the grass is not necessarily greener, but it is certainly way more expensive. Actually, I more »
This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to allow filing of an amicus brief in the Sackett v. EPA case which will be argued at the Court on Monday morning. (The Supreme Court’s order (pdf) is here.) The brief is being filed on behalf of NRDC, the Waterkeeper Alliance, Idaho Conservation League, Idaho Rivers United, Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper, and Kootenai Environmental Alliance.
If there’s one thing we notice in the KEA office, it is that the days on the calendar keep flying at us. Every day is a new challenge. In the brief respite afforded by a slightly less frantic holiday week, here is a compilation of things we’ll be watching as the new year unfolds. 1. Dike Road Trees — At some point in 2012, we’re more »
