By Rod Boam; Cache Valley Daily
BEAR LAKE – Bear Lake Watch is taking a victory lap after getting a bill passed through the Idaho Legislature that recognizes Bear Lake benefits, and provides for its protection and preservation.
A file photo of Travis Hobbs who caught a monster 31-inch Cutthroat trout while fishing on Bear Lake on January 17, 2021.
“Idaho Senate bill, S1112, passed unanimously through both House and Senate,” said Claudia Cottle a Bear Lake Watch member pushing the bill with her husband David. “It was signed by Idaho Governor Brad Little at a signing ceremony Wednesday March 29.”
This action will put Bear Lake into the same category as other prize and protected lakes in the Gem State like Big Payette Lake, Pend D’Oreille and Coeur D’Alene Lakes, Malad Canyon, Big Springs and several other protected waterbodies.
“It will stand as a guidepost for future governance of Idaho to stay the course leading to the preservation of the natural character of the lake even while we use it to aid irrigation production and power generation,” she said. “This was a great day for Idaho and for Bear Lake and all the people who cherish it.”
This bill is a strong statement that Bear Lake should be preserved for all generations to be able to know and enjoy its inherent qualities.”
North Beach at Bear Lake State Park gets over 300,000 visitors per year. Photo courtesy of Idaho State Parks.
The lake will be preserved for its natural character even while it is used to aid irrigation production and power generation.
“This has been a long time in the making, setting the stage, helping people see the need, developing trusting partnerships, finding the right words to put on paper and finally guiding it through the legislative process,” Cottle said. “We send a heartfelt thanks to all who assisted us along the way.”
Senator Mark Harris, Representatives Josh Wheeler and Kevin Andrus were instrumental in guiding the Cottles through the governmental process.
The representatives from Bear Lake Watch have visited people at the Idaho State Parks, Idaho Department of Water Resources, the Department of Environmental Quality and other entities to further their cause.
Bear Lake Watch has one goal to have the lake recognized in two states Idaho and Utah. After getting Idaho on board they are going to lobby Utah for the same recognition and protection.
A file photo of Bear Lake in the winter. The lake attract visitors in all seasons of the year.
The state of Utah spent hundreds of millions dollars trying to rescue Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake and appoint commissions to watch over them. Cottle believes if they had spent the money early on trying to preserve the two lakes west of the Wasatch Mountains they could have avoided spending the money trying to preserve them.
Bear Lake is often referred to as the “Caribbean of the Rockies” for its intense turquoise blue water and is considered to be one of the oldest lakes in the continental United States.
The lake is a popular place in the warm months of spring and summer, bringing thousands of visitors to play in the cool water and on the sandy beaches. Winter also offers a variety of activities including snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ice fishing and more.
Bear lake Watch plans to bring a similar bill to the Utah State Legislature next year to recognize, protect and preserve Bear Lake. Utah and Idaho split the 109 square mile lake almost equally.
Bear Lake Community Health Clinic
The lake is a popular place in the warm months of spring and summer, bringing thousands of visitors to play in the cool water and on the sandy beaches. Winter also offers a variety of activities including snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ice fishing and more.
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