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Preserve Priest Lake

Protecting clean water, healthy forests, and the character of Priest Lake — for generations to come

About Priest Lake

Idaho’s Crown Jewel Is Worth Protecting

Nestled in the mountains of northern Idaho, Priest Lake is one of the state’s last great natural treasures. Its crystal-clear waters, healthy forests, abundant wildlife, and small-town character have made it a place where families have lived, worked, and created memories for generations.
Today, Priest Lake stands at an important crossroads. Population growth, increased development, changing recreational demands, and evolving land-use decisions are placing greater pressure on the natural resources that make Priest Lake unique.
Without thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship, and community involvement, the environmental quality and the quality of life that define Priest Lake could change dramatically over the next decade.

The future of Priest Lake is not predetermined. By working together — residents, visitors, property owners, businesses, Bonner County, public agencies, and community organizations — we can protect clean water, healthy forests, wildlife habitat, and the character of Priest Lake while supporting a vibrant community for generations to come.

Who We Are

Preserve Priest Lake is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the natural beauty, water quality, wildlife, and unique character of Priest Lake for future generations.
Building on the legacy of the Priest Lake Cabin Owners’ Association (PLCOA), we work with property owners, Bonner County, public agencies, and the community to promote responsible development, forest stewardship and responsible logging, sound environmental practices, and informed decision-making.

We serve as a trusted resource by providing information on important issues affecting Priest Lake and helping residents understand the processes that protect and preserve Priest Lake for generations to come.

Years Of
experience

about PLCOA

Our Mission is to …
“Protect Priest Lake and the Rights of its Stakeholders.”

Originally there were 343 State leased cottage sites on the east shore of the lake and 11 State leased sites on the west side at the outlet to Priest River. The Priest Lake State Lessee’s Association (PLSLA) was formed in 1967. At that time, the State only leased their cottage sites. PLSLA was formed to serve the interests of the lessees. Due in large part to PLSLA’s activism, in 2010 the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners adopted the “Cottage Site Plan” – a plan to dispose of their cottage sites. In 2014, IDL began the process of selling its State Lease sites by voluntary auction. By 2017, IDL had disposed of about half of these sites, with few exceptions, to the former lessees of those sites. In July of 2017, after 50 years of service, the Priest Lake Lessees’ Association name was retired, and its name and bylaws were changed to the Priest Lake Cabin Owner’s Association (PLCOA) to serve the interests of owners of Priest Lake lessees as well as the new property owners and others.

Issues Threatening Priest Lake & Its Stakeholders

Priest Lake Wetlands

Priest Lake has three major wetland areas: the south end of the lake by Coolin, the north by the Little Priest Lake Thorofare, and Bear Creek.
Two of these wetlands, the Coolin Wetland and the Sandpiper Shores Wetland, are being threatened.
These areas are critical to the preserving the Crown Jewel of Idaho and needs to be saved.

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Forming HOA’s

When the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) began auctioning leased cottage sites every lot sold required the buyer to accept the CC&R’s (Covenants, Conditions and Regulations) that went along with the sale.
The Department of Lands initially failed to fulfill that agreement.
In July 2023, IDL fulfilled their obligation and formally formed 18 subdivisions.

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Leasing

The Idaho Department of Lands has been managing more than 2.5 million acres of land that supports state institutions, primarily the state’s public school system. Since approximately 1935 some of this land has been leased for cottage sites. In 2010 there were 354 state-leased cottage sites. That year the Land Board, which provides direction to the department, approved a plan to auction their cottage sites. The first auction was in 2014 and since then cottage site ownership has been a mix of leased sites and fee simple sites. Initially the State’s leasing/auction program was scheduled to last through 2024 when they would reassess the program’s success. The Department of Lands has decided to offer leasing options and plans to continue the auction opportunity.

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Priest River Cold Water Augmentation

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) was proposing to draw cold water from the deep (hypolimnic) layer of water in Priest Lake to cool Priest River. A number of studies researching the cost and impact on Priest Lake and Priest River have been completed. However, there are many unknowns that could eventually seriously affect both the lake and the river. Several other methods that are available to help cool the river that are more economical and effective than the siphon. We believe that some other method to cool the river needs to be chosen – not the siphon.

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Updates

Action Alert: Protect the Future of Priest Lake!

DEADLINE: February 14th, 2025

Priest Lake, often referred to as “Idaho’s Crown Jewel,” is facing a critical moment. Proposed development threatens the pristine shoreline and ecosystem of this beloved area. Here’s what you need to know and how you can help preserve its natural beauty.

What’s Happening?
Developers are proposing 560 new 12,000 sq. ft. waterfront lots on the shoreline of Priest Lake. This could result in overcrowded conditions, disrupting wildlife habitats and polluting the cleanest lowland lake in the U.S.

Why Should You Care?
Unchecked development could turn this treasured natural environment into an overcrowded and polluted area, forever altering the peaceful retreat that Priest Lake offers to residents, visitors, and wildlife alike.

Take Action: Tell the Commissioners NO!
It’s essential to make your voice heard. Raise concerns about the impact of these proposals before February 14th, the deadline for public comments.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Email the Bonner County Planning Department: planning@bonnercountyid.gov

Contact the Bonner County Commissioners:
Asia Williams: asia.williams@bonnercountyid.gov
Ron Korn: ron.korn@bonnercountyid.gov
Brian Domke: brian.domke@bonnercountyid.gov

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