Preserve Priest Lake
Protecting clean water, healthy forests, and the character of Priest Lake — for generations to come
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.
Current Issues
Water Rights Ajudication
Idaho is currently conducting the Northern Idaho Adjudications, a legal process to formally record and prioritize water rights across the panhandle. Priest Lake falls within the Clark Fork–Pend Oreille River Basin Adjudication, the third phase of this process, which will adjudicate water rights tied to both Pend Oreille Lake and Priest Lake. This adjudication gives property owners and water users their only opportunity to claim historic, unrecorded water rights tied to the lake and surrounding basin — meaning failing to file a claim can permanently affect an owner’s water rights. Recent developments have added urgency: claims have reportedly been filed in the adjudication that could affect both Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake, filed on behalf of an out-of-state tribe, a development expected to raise significant legal questions for area property owners. Preserve Priest Lake will monitor the adjudication process, provide updates on filing deadlines and requirements, and help residents understand how these proceedings may affect their water rights
Coolin Sewer Moratorium
Where It Stands
The Coolin Sewer District Board adopted a moratorium on new sewer connections on October 5, 2021, and confirmed it on January 28, 2022 (Resolution 21-01), following a public hearing where the Board considered an independent engineer’s capacity report. As of a March 2025 board meeting, updated capacity assessments showed roughly 10% availability remaining — not enough to cover the District’s already-committed customers who are not yet connected. Because of this, the District is not currently accepting new development or newcomer connection requests, with its focus instead on maintaining infrastructure to serve those it has already committed to serve: assessed connection holders, current customers, and pre-moratorium applicants who already paid connection fees.
What’s Being Done to Move Forward
The District has been developing a Wastewater Facility Plan, with half the planning cost covered by an ARPA grant, and has been working with its engineering consultant on capacity studies and infrastructure options such as lift station upgrades. The Board has also been evaluating financing mechanisms, including grants and loans, to fund the system expansion needed before new connections can resume. No firm date has been announced for lifting the moratorium. In the meantime, new development in the Coolin area is being designed with sewer mains installed for future connection, while residents rely on individual septic systems permitted through Panhandle Health District until the District’s capacity allows new hookups.
Fire Protection & Emergency Services
As Priest Lake continues to grow, planning for fire protection, emergency response, evacuation routes, and public safety becomes increasingly important. Preserve Priest Lake will stay engaged on issues affecting the long-term safety and resilience of our communities.
Sewer Districts and Public Infrastructure
Infrastructure planning — including sewer systems, roads, utilities, water systems, and other public services — plays a critical role in shaping the future of Priest Lake.
County Planning and Public Meetings
Many decisions affecting Priest Lake begin through Bonner County planning processes. Preserve Priest Lake provides updates on public hearings, development proposals, zoning changes, and opportunities for public participation.
Wetlands & Shoreline Protection
Wetlands and shorelines are among Priest Lake’s most valuable natural resources. Protecting these sensitive areas helps preserve water quality, reduce erosion, support fish and wildlife, and maintain the natural beauty of Priest Lake.
Forest Stewardship & Responsible Logging
Healthy forests are essential to protecting Priest Lake. We support responsible forest management that improves forest health, reduces wildfire risk, protects wildlife habitat, and safeguards water quality.
Water Quality
Clean water is the foundation of Priest Lake’s environmental health, recreation, and quality of life. We support science-based monitoring, watershed protection, and responsible stewardship to preserve this invaluable resource.
Board of Directors
• Mike Budig — President
• Randy Absalonson — Vice President
• Deborah Johnson — Secretary/Treasurer
• Darin Davidson — Board Member
• Matt Rudolf — Board Member
• Brian Runberg — Board Member
• Mike Belles — Board Member
• Bill Symmes — Trustee
• Nick Oltean — Trustee