Our Gem

The Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative is a team of committed and passionate professionals working to protect our local water resources. Participating entities include the University of Idaho Community Water Resource Center, Coeur d’Alene Tribe Lake Management Department, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, and CDA 2030.

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Our Gem Articles

OUR GEM: Heavy metals in our watershed

The headwaters of the Coeur d’Alene Basin are essential to the success of mining, timber, agriculture, and hydropower industries. Mining activities along the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River have a significant influence on basin watershed conditions and on the...

Construction Ahead: Keep the Lake Clear

This story was written by the Our Gem Collaborative team for the CDA Press on Sunday, June 7, 2020. Read the original article. Everywhere you look new houses are going up, highways are full of work zones and lots are being cleared for new business. This construction...

Boating Best Practices

Better Boating for the Sake of the Lake This story was written by the Our Gem Collaborative team for the CDA Press on Sunday, May 24, 2020. Read the original article. North Idaho provides abundant recreational activities, which in the warmer months include...

Wise Lawn and Garden Care Protects Our Waterways

As the population increases, North Idaho lakes and streams are at heightened risk of pollution. This story was written by Jim Ekins for the CDA Press on Sunday May 10, 2020. Read the original article. Homeowners can do a lot to protect and improve water quality...

Pollution Prevention for North Idaho’s Rivers and Lakes

Understand the impact of stormwater and your part in minimizing the damage. This story was written by the Our Gem Collaborative team for the CDA Press on Wednesday, April 22, 2020. Read the original article. When it rains or when snow melts, where does the water...

The Great Lake Debate

Shoreline concerns are among many threats to the health of Coeur d’Alene Lake. This article was written by Jennifer Passaro and published in the CDA Press on Friday, April 3, 2020. Read the original article. In a packed room at the Iron Horse Restaurant in...