County approves no-wake buoys in Hope

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

Bonner County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve six no-wake zone buoys to be placed on Lake Pend Oreille in Hope.

County Parks and Waterways Director James Shannon said the six buoys will be placed near Memaloose Island. While Bonner County will front the initial cost of $1,500 to purchase the buoys, Hope man Todd Wendle will reimburse the county, Shannon said.

“I appreciate that this resident has decided to provide those buoys, as they do cost, and that’s an expense we don’t have to bear,” said Commissioner Glen Bailey.

The county, specifically the Bonner County Waterways Advisory Board, has been working to find solutions to local wake damage issues for about two years. The advisory board approved the location of the buoys discussed Tuesday, Shannon said.

Shannon said his department will now wait for a permit from the Idaho Department of Lands before moving forward with placement of the six buoys. He said the buoys will likely be put into use this coming spring, given IDL’s approval.