See Also :

Links:

Tri-State Water Council

Idaho Department of
Environmental Quality

Idaho Department of
Fish and Game, Panhandle
Fishing Report

Environmental Protection
Agency, Region 10

Lake Pend Oreille Idaho Club

Rock Creek Alliance

Idaho Legislature

Idaho State Governor
Dirk Kempthorne

Albeni Falls Dam

Sandpoint, city of

Priest River, city of

Priest Lake

The Pend Orielle Basin Commission was created by House Bill no. 110 in 2003. They are officially the "Lake Pend Oreille, Pend Oreille River, Priest Lake and Priest River Basin Commission." Any issues relating to water quality and/or water quantity in the Pend Oreille Basin (which includes the entire Priest drainage) is of concern to the Commission.

The Pend Orielle Basin Commission is comprised of eight members, five of whom who are local residents hand-picked and appointed by Governor Kempthorne in 2003, and two of which are representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Idaho State Attorney General's office, respectively. In addition, we have an "ex officio" designee from the State of Montana.

We meet quarterly, which breaks down to roughly seasonal meetings. The date of the upcoming meeting, if known, is posted on the home page. The Pend Orielle Basin Commission meetings reflect relevant issues of concern at the time they are held, and usually feature guest speakers on the different issues. The public is always invited to attend, and notices of public meeting are posted around the area and in the local newspapers.

New this year is the Commission's first staff member, to act, so to speak, as the eyes and ears for the busy Commissioners. This staff member conducts research on the various issues that effect our lakes and rivers, organizes meetings and agendas, writes press releases, maintains the website, makes contacts, takes minutes, and answers questions and queries directed at the Commission. Meet program coordinator Kate Wilson.

Additional background information is available.