Priest Lake

 

p  r  i  e  s  t  l  a  k  e  r  .  c  o  m

 

 

TONIGHT!! ● FACEBOOK.COM/PRIESTLAKERALLY

■ $100.00 Dinner -Gift Certificate- at
Elkins Resort (or Lunch)

■ $ 50.00 Dinner -Gift Certificate- at
Hill's Resort (or Lunch)

■ Two Large Pizzas and One Pitcher of Beer
at Millie's

 ■ A 75 - 90 min. Hot Stone Massage from
Kiva Therapeutics Priest Lake

■ Entree Gallery and Autumn's Loft have
joined to offer a 2 in 1 Prize
(Priest Lake poster from Autumn's Loft and a
$50.00 Gift Certificate for The Entree Gallery)

  HOW TO PLAY..? 

CLICK HERE to view

PRIEST LAKE NEEDS YOUR HELP IN CONGRESS

Priest Lake, Id - Feb 9, 2012
By - A Churns' Reader

Many of you who use "As The Lake Churns" as a source of information about our lake are Forest Service Recreational Cabin permittees.  Most have had their leases for generations and have contributed greatly to the conservation, care and economy of the lake.  For years federal lessees and the Forest Service have had a continuously running gun battle over obscenely escalating fees, appraisals, appraisal wars, and re- appraisal.  It has been sloppy, expensive and so burdensome that numbers of them are being forced to surrender their leases.
 
This is not merely a Priest Lake situation.  It is a national issue and for the last couple years the National Forest Homeowners Association has worked very hard with the FS and the congress to find a workable process.  The result was the Cabin Fee Act.  A great group of very smart people have a bill that will solve the problems forever.  The Congressional Budget Office has scored the bill as 'revenue neutral'.  It will cost nothing to federal revenue, it will make the fees predictable and will prevent bad mathematics from causing crushing increases.
 
There is so much going on in Washington DC these days that things like this can get lost in chaos.  We have both a House and a Senate bill ready to pass.  We just need it to be presented in SENATE SUB COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC LANDS so it can reach a vote by both the houses of congress.
 
We NEED badly to get this bill to the floor.  IF YOU ARE AN IDAHO RESIDENT WE NEED YOU TO SEND A EMAIL TO  OUR  SENATOR JIM RISCH WHO IS ON THE PUBLIC LANDS COMMITTEE AND URGE HIM BE SURE THE BILL COMES BEFORE IT.
 
I am going to make this real easy for you if you are willing to help, and I hope you are.  Below is a brief paragraph you can simply copy and paste in a note to Sen. Risch.  Below the paragraph is a link that goes directly to Risch's website.
Copy the paragraph or write your own, and - thank you in advance.
 
 
Dear Senator Risch
I am joining with many others in asking you to make every effort you can to see that the Cabin Fee Act has a hearing in your Public Lands
committee.  The CFA, after years of work has finally  developed a solution to the clumsy, unfair and expensive formulas of CUFFA
and its impact.
Please help  us get this done.
 
CLICK HERE

Priest River Ministries Advocates for Women to speak at Priest Lake Library

Representatives from PRM-AFW will give a presentation to the Priest Lake community at the Priest Lake library on Wednesday, February 22 at 3:00 p.m.

PRM-AFW is a non-profit organization whose assistance is available to families in need.

They primarily provide ongoing support for women and children of domestic violence by offering services such as guidance, support groups, paralegal counsel, education, client transportation, and emergency shelter. All services at PRM-AFW are free of charge and rely on volunteer support.

PRM-AFW is based in Priest River, where they have a learning lab offering free tutoring and classes, an office, and emergency and extended-stay shelters. They have expanded their services to the Priest Lake area, with a mobile advocate who comes to Coolin every Wednesday.

Anyone interested in learning more about their services, or in becoming a volunteer for the group, is welcome to attend the presentation. Call the Priest Lake Library at 443-2454 or PRM-AFW at 448-2800 for more information.

IF THIS IS YOUR HOUSE..

..if this is your house
click HERE (this is for you)

HAVE YOU?

IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FORESTS DRAFT LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN AND DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Thank you for your interest in revising the Idaho Panhandle National Forest's Land Management Plan

CLICK HERE

CHAMBER BOARD MEETING / PUBLIC

Priest Lake Chamber Board meeting will be held on Feb 24 at 3:00 at Hill's Resort. Among the items on the agenda will be Mike Nielsen (County Commissioner) who will update us on the caribou issue. All are invited to attend. 
Open to the public

 

 

CLICK ON IMAGE

Sled Dog Races
Priest Lake 2012
pecky cox fotos

click on image above for more photos
and HERE for ".. before the race "
Video

PRIEST LAKE E-BULLETIN BOARD

Cabin sits at the end of Rocky Point peninsula on a quiet bay, about 5 miles north of Coolin. It sleeps 10-12 people and features a dock, firepit, huge deck, sandy swimming beach, barbecue, washer/dryer and lots of summertime fun. Visit www.priestlakecabin4rent.com for more information and pictures.

click HERE for One & Only Priest Lake's eBulletin Board.. hey, it's free!

2012 SNOWSHOE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS - SPOKANE STRICKS

pecky cox foto
CLICK ON IMAGE for larger view

PRUINA ON HUCKLEBERRIES

_{pecky cox foto}
2.5.12
CLICK ON IMAGE

 

$150.00 Lodging and Dinner Pacakge for two
QUEEN ROOM AT The Inn at Priest Lake &
($75.00 towards Dinner at Cavanaugh's)

WRITE THE CAPTION CONTEST

click on image for larger view
POST captions here NOT on FACEBOOK

AND THE WINNER IS...

TC Rider with

"When in doubt, gas it!"

WANT ONE?.. COME TO OUR PARTY 8.31.12

( in case we do)

END OF THE WORLD & LAST SUMMER
AT PRIEST LAKE PARTY
facebook.com/PriestLakeParty

FROM MIKE AND CHANTELL

An Open Invitation from Mike and Chantell Sackett to Priest Lakers and all who are interested in following and keeping up to date on their struggles with the recent attempted confiscation of their properties by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The January hearing of oral arguments before the Supreme Court of The United States, has now resulted in a Congressional investigation of the actions by the EPA and Mike and Chantell have been called to testify before the congressional committee next week
 
 See you there.
 
"You’re invited to a special briefing of our case in Spokane at The Davenport Hotel on Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 5:30 – 7 p.m.  Key members of our Pacific Legal Foundation team will be there to provide an assessment of the Jan. 9 oral argument of our case at the U.S. Supreme Court.  Just click on this link to RSVP. http://www.pacificlegal.org/sackettbriefing
 
Please forward this message and the link to register for the briefing to people on your e-mail list.  We hope to see you in Spokane on the 22nd.  If you have any issues please call Jenifer Rohde at (800) 847-7719."
 
 Thank You
 
 Mike and Chantell Sackett

Priest Lake Library NEWS AND NEW "KNITTING CLUB"

At the toddler and preschool story time at the Priest Lake Public Library, parents get to join their children and enjoy great stories and activities. Preschool Story Hour is held every Wednesday from 11:00 to noon at the library.  The library's goal is to open the door to learning for preschoolers before formal education begins.

IF..

If you are planning to send comments regarding the Caribou Sensitive Habitat Designation. that  link for public comments site has been temporarily disabled by the Federal Register. They are, however, still able to accept written hard copies via USPS or hand deliver to the address below:
 Public Comments Processing,
 Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2011-0096; Division of Policy and Directives Management
 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service;
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM;
Arlington, VA 22203.Show citation box

US Fish and Wildlife explains that the  link may be down for a few days when it opens again comments WILL be accepted for an additional 60 days. The reason this happened was because they have to advertise the additional 60 days in the federal register. By the time that decision was made, it was already too late to keep the portal open uninterrupted. So it expired on the original schedule but will reopen. In the meantime, we can accept comments through traditional mail as directed.


In addition, all forms of comments will be accepted during the 30-day comment period for the economic analysis.  In total we expect about a 150 day period of comment opportunity. (The original 60, the additional 60, plus during the 30-day economic analysis comment period.)

We will inform you  on www.priestlaker.com as soon as the link for comment becomes ativated so you may comment.

RED, GREEN AND PURPLE

Video below

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

1.28.12
I have some serious concerns regarding the proposal to close areas for Caribou in the
United States. I live at Priest Lake and own and operate a number of businesses here.

I feel this proposal would close my businesses in the winter so I need you to consider my comments seriously. I employ up to 200 people in the area if I close the ripple effect will echo thought out the Priest Lake basin.

PRIEST LAKE SPRING FESTIVAL 2012 " FEEL THE MAGIC "

Give a round of applause to the Coolin Civic Organization, who are getting a running start on preparing for the Spring Festival over Memorial Day weekend. 

Applications and forms for all of the activities are now available so, whatever you participation activity, you will be able to sign in. 

The theme for the event this year is "Feel The Magic"
Go to:  www.facebook.com/CoolinIdaho.  You do not need to have a Facebook account to view, click, print etc.  If you do have a Facebook account, give them a "LIKE"(on site) to help promote this fantastic event that welcomes our Priest Lake Summer!

Ok, now Im counting days..

VALENTINE'S ♥ AT ♥ THE LAKE...

Resorts, Restaurants and Cantina please post your events
under comments

BLUE DIAMOND MARINA
Sweetheart Dinner
Tuesday, February 14th  6 PM
The Waterfront Restaurant
at Blue Diamond Marina and Resort
Reservations by February 10th
Bring a table of 4 and receive a 10% discount on food

PECKY'S TREE

PRIEST LAKE'S ONLINE RALLY

You are invited to be a participant in the first Priest Lake Online Rally.   Whether you desktop, laptop or cell phone, i Phone, i Pad, i Pod, i THINK you will really have a great time -  join the rally from anywhere in the world and win one of five great prizes contributed by local businesses. 

The date of the Facebook event is THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9th from 6 to 8 pm.
   
Here is how you play the game:
CLICK HERE for now.. and LIKE it.  
Be there February 9, 2012 in time to start.  We will post questions and chores which will require knowledge and familiarity with Priest Lake history, geography and people. 

You will post your answer and our team will record who posts the first correct answer.  The winner from each question will win a point.  When a point is captured, the next question will be posted and another point will be up for grabs.  When the rally concludes at precisely 8 PM,  we will tally the winners. 

There will be Five very nice prizes to be chosen.  The player with highest points attained will have his/her first choice from the prizes contributed, number 2 next and so on, with number 5 getting the remaining prize, which will still be great.
 
This Online Rally is open to anyone, you can even Google for answers, call friends have a roomful of Priest Lakers at your elbow. The first correct answer secures a point.  The "quiz' will post the first question at 6 PM, Feb. 9 HERE

CARIBOU HABITAT PLAN

click HERE to view map

Priest Lake - Jan 24, 2012 As The Lake Churns - A meeting room at the The Priest Lake Inn was packed with over 150 attendees to witness and participate in an open forum with Idaho's Bonner County Commissioners Cornel Rasor, Mike Nielsen and Lewis Rich. 

The public gathering, called by the commissioners,  met with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service officials with the goal of altering the Federal Agency's plan to protect habitat for Woodland Caribou.  The Commissioners are working to form a coalition with other counties impacted by the federal plan made in November, while also insisting the Fish and Wildlife Service coordinate with them on the habitat designation. 

"Coordination" with local governments is required by federal statutes, but is often totally ignored in instituting regulations over public lands that negatively impact local businesses, personal property, employment and personal lives. 
 

 

 

A wide range of Bonner County citizens  voiced their concerns regarding more government intrusion in their jobs, family, businesses and recreation.  One of the primary points being made, displayed the displeasure of  attendees that there are proposals that could eventually result in further land grabs by the government which would reserve a huge piece of recreation properties to protect a "herd" of Woodland Caribou that amounted to the sightings of only 2 or 3 per year for the last several years.

 Video Photos - Ⓒ  pecky cox

CLICK ON IMAGES FOR LARGER
VIEW

 

THE REPUBLIC - COOLIN, Idaho — Some local residents are upset by a proposal to designate an area half the size of Rhode Island in a remote part of Idaho and Washington as critical habitat for endangered woodland caribou.

They blasted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at a meeting on Tuesday, saying the federal plans amounted to a land grab that would devastate the local economy READ MORE

 

from a Churns reader:  Having attended the meeting it appears the "critical habitat" designation is simply the means to an end.

Once it is designated the forest service is certain to close it, even though the fish and game department won't come right out and say it.

BelowL Posted: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 10:00 am
By NICK IVIE Hagadone News Network

COOLIN — With more than 375,000 acres of land seemingly “up for grabs” upon the designation of critical habitat for caribou in the southern Selkirk Mountains — nearly 200 citizens turned out to show their concerns at Tuesday’s coordination meeting between Bonner County commissioners and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service officials.

The meeting, called by commissioners and held at the Inn at Priest Lake,  was set with the hopes of altering or influencing the designation process through the coordination.

An open forum for over an hour, the audience pulled no punches showing their displeasure with the proposal, asking “where are these caribou” and “what will happen to this land after it’s designated as critical habitat.”

Questions posed to U.S. Fish & Wildlife officials, who had the answers but left the audience members with mixed emotions and a foreshadowed outcome of gloom if the proposal goes forward.  READ MORE...

●

RESIDENTS UPSET WITH CARIBOU PLANS - kivi-tv Boise - CLICK HERE

CONTROVERSIAL VIEWS REGARDING BOAT RAMP NORTH OF COOLIN

 

NEW POST: 1.27.12 GRANT SOUGHT FOR COOLIN BOAT LAUNCH (Bonner County Daily Bee) CLICK HERE

 

"As The Lake Churns" is an open forum for its viewers and takes no position on subjects commented upon or discussed.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR COMMENTS CIVIL AND ON TOPIC

Dear Priest Lake Neighbor,

SWIM • BIKE • RUN AT THE LAKE

2012 Priest Lake Triathlon and Marathon Registration Opened January 23
 

Facebook.com/PriestLakeRace

One of the reasons I enjoy running and riding the bike so much is that it gives me time alone to think, you know, sort things out, process, dream. Today on my afternoon run at snowy Priest Lake Idaho, my mind wandered between thoughts of how important the fog line on Highway 57 is, to athletic goals I set for myself this year like training for the Seattle Marathon (Steph convinced me to sign up), to the upcoming races at the lake this summer, and "I think the folks at Snowshoe Softball are having more fun than me right now" as I slowed down to watch a play by the Korner Club.
 
Getting ready for the Priest Lake Triathlon and Priest Lake Marathon takes a rockstar effort by our dedicated volunteers, the support of local businesses and sponsors, a great community, the team at Priest Lake Search and Rescue, and most importantly our outstanding participants, all who made the Priest Lake Triathlon and Marathon another success last year. I'm grateful I get to be a part of it, and look forward to another stellar season of events for 2012.
 
Some great Priest Laker recently coined a phrase placed over the top of an image of our lake that says "if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand". Everyone reading this has a special connection in some way to Priest Lake. It might have started with the pristine water, rugged peaks, peaceful forests, family and friends, childhood memories, adventure and fun. But visit the lake a couple times and soon it becomes a little bit more than that. The Lake is a place where we all have a way to experience something special in life, and that's the theme of the Priest Lake Triathlon and Marathon. Beautiful scenery, adventure, great people, and that special Priest Lake feeling.

Priest Lake RD Pursuing Snowmobile Trail Funding

Priest Lake, ID (January 19, 2012) - The Priest Lake Ranger District is submitting two grant applications to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation for funding that will brush and clear snowmobile trails and purchase cross country ski trail grooming equipment.

Grant funds will be used to improve winter recreational opportunities on the Priest Lake Ranger District including the administration of a brushing contract for approximately 10.3 miles of roads that are utilized as snowmobile trails during the winter. The brushing work will significantly improve the quality of the popular trail systems that draw snowmobilers to the Priest Lake region.

In partnership with the Priest Lake Nordic Ski Club, grooming equipment will be used to provide consistent grooming at Priest Lake, specifically Hanna Flats across from the Priest Lake district office. Nordic Ski Club members will volunteer their time to groom the trail system utilizing new equipment.

For more information, contact the Priest Lake Ranger District at (208) 443-2512

Priest Lake State Park snowman and snow sculpture event

Priest Lake State Park - NOW thru February 29th

This is an all age event to see who has the best snowman and snow sculpture skills.  Create anything you want out of snow anywhere inside the park at Indian Creek. 

Be sure to let a staff member know where your creation is so we can take pictures and vote on the winners. 

Pictures will be posted on the park’s facebook page so everyone can see them and make comments on which ones they like best.  Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries.  Snow is in the forecast for the rest of the week so bring the family to Priest Lake State Park and have some fun.
 
Contact info: 314 Indian Creek Park Road, Coolin, Idaho 83821   (208) 443-2200