Hello {First Name},

It’s winter and the wonderful quiet we feel around town is a nice respite from the busy summer traffic and noise on Payette Lake. The sleepy silent Sunday streets and glasslike reflection of the mountains on the lake makes one appreciate the unique beauty of McCall and the surrounding area. Maybe we’ll get more snow soon! 

It’s been a while since we have written news about the status of the endowment lands. As you know, there is a proposal about a land swap. This process is still a proposal and there is not much news we can report at this time except that the Idaho Department of Lands and the USFS are still engaged and are working on it. We will keep you up to date as we learn more about this potential land swap.  

The Payette Endowment Land Alliance, PELA, was asked by the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Council, (BPLWQC), also a local 501 c.3 organization, if we would cooperate with them to share water quality news. Since our missions are closely aligned we agreed to help them share information about issues you would be interested in.  

According to Idaho Parks and Recreation, 7,811 boat licenses selected Valley County as either their primary or secondary use location in 2021. As the population in Valley County increases, along with growth in the Treasure Valley, boating recreation increases in Valley County. The larger questions and problems that come with increasing population include figuring out how to mitigate impacts of growth and development on the water quality in Payette Lake.

In addition, two new water sports businesses have sprung up along Hwy 55 which will bring more recreational activities to our lake. Invasive species, (like quagga mussels), are also a potential risk with increased use. Urban runoff from the city, landscaping choices that impact the lake and new construction on the lake, is a continuing problem for water pollution. The threats from drought and climate change that bring much uncertainty for the future of our local water resources must be factored in too.

These larger issues require engagement and cooperation from our leaders, agencies, governing bodies and citizens. Is there a role you can play to help mitigate issues facing our precious water resources? Here’s the local scoop:

McCall Marina Expansion

On November 7, 2023, The McCall City P & Z recommended approval of an application for a Conditional Use Permit, Design Review, and Shoreline Environs Review to expand the Mile High Marina which will replace the existing log breakwater with a wave attenable infrastructure and approximately 90 additional boat slips. The properties are located within and adjacent to the CV – Civic Zone, including a current 5.84 acre encroachment over Payette Lake. The wave attenuating infrastructure is an 1100 foot boardwalk for pedestrians which begins near Brown Park, heads west across the lake for 517’ then turns north for 450’. There are two shade structures on each of the two corners of the “L” shaped boardwalk. See the full CUP application with drawings of the expansion here. Click on the meeting packet dated Nov. 7,2023. 

The Mile High Marina is a well established business and provides enjoyment on the lake for many. However, there are unresolved challenges which the marina itself cannot resolve, but an expansion will exacerbate these issues. User conflicts exist on the lake because of more and more powerful motorized recreation. Noise from watercraft, including loud music, water turbidity, and large continuous waves make it hard for other users to engage in their sport. These conflicts will persist and adding more motorized recreation ensures that non-motorized users will be at a disadvantage. Even though the Waterways Management Plan begins to address some of these issues, it is a guiding document for county and city leaders, with no enforcement capability. Safety and congestion issues will persist. The city and the county do not have the staff, nor do they have the money to successfully monitor lake activity. Maybe it's time for a launch fee for all watercraft to help pay for enforcement and safety concerns. A day per week of non-motorized use on Payette Lake might be a way to help minimize pressure on the lake.  

More boats mean more fuel in the waters of our lake, (think drinking water), and more possibility of pollution and more possibility of invasive species. With 90 new slips, vehicle and pedestrian congestion are concerns as are safety issues on the water. The congestion that occurs when boats are trying to access or leave the fueling station will increase. We are advocating for cooperation among city and county leaders, agencies, and citizens to work together to resolve these concerns. 

There will be a public hearing at the City on January 11, 2024 to consider this CUP. 

Here’s a link to send comment to the city council. 

Waterways Management Plan

The City of McCall and Valley County jointly funded a Waterways Management Study and the Plan was adopted February, 2023. This announcement comes from the Valley County website: 

“The Waterways Management Plan: A Sustainable and Adaptable Plan – Preserving What We Love will provide the basis for policies, ordinances, programs, and practices for the primary waterways in Valley County.”

The Plan will be an effort co-managed by Valley County and City of McCall with collaborative input from Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service, State Parks, and other public agencies. Valley County and the respective jurisdictions will use this Plan to help guide future recreation management while considering environmental stewardship of the lakes and reservoirs.”

The Plan is described as a “living document through adaptive management” which invites community input. There are “keystone indicators” identified which would trigger that more study is needed. The three triggers are carrying capacity, social capacity and facility capacity. According to the Waterways Management Plan, "Maintaining ecosystem health and recreational opportunities on Valley County's lakes and rivers is a high priority and value of Valley County." 

With the Plan as the guiding document, our leaders will hopefully use it moving forward. Contact the County Commissioners and City Council members to express your support for ordinances that will protect water quality and safety on Valley County waterways. 

Link to to the Waterways Management Plan

University of Idaho Lake Study on Payette Lake

A study from the University of Idaho has been presented at a thesis review on the U. of I. campus. When more details of the study are released we will provide you with an update. The study looked at scientific data collected near the shore. Specifically, the effect on the release of phosphorus from the lake bed, into the water, in response to wind waves or human generated waves on Payette Lake. We will send news of the study findings and conclusions after the study is published.

New Coalition regarding Water Quality Protections Forming in January

There is a new coalition forming in January which could lead to improved protections for water quality and quantity throughout the Payette River system. Valley County Soils and Water Conservation District, (VSWCD), is the recipient of this large Bureau of Reclamation grant. This two-year grant process will bring many agencies, jurisdictions, and citizens together to form a coalition to develop a watershed restoration plan. The coalition will identify projects and funding opportunities for implementation. It is a crucial opportunity for us all to exchange ideas and prioritize where our watershed needs attention to preserve and enhance its health and resiliency. PELA and BPLWQC have both been invited to participate. Among other ideas, we could propose projects that would keep the tributaries coming into Payette Lake cool and deep and shady, which is essential to the health of the lake.

Contact PELA, or BPLWQC if you would like to be involved or to learn more.

With Warm Regards, 

PELA and Big Payette Lake Water Quality Council