Senate panel interviews two incumbents for Lake Pend Oreille Commission, hears priorities on economy, water levels and invasive species

The Senate Resources and Environment Committee conducted initial interviews of two incumbent members of the Lake Pend Oreille Commission during a committee meeting; the panel will consider formal votes on their reappointments at a later date set by the committee chair. Senator Hart, the committee’s vice chair, presided in Chairman Bertenshaw’s absence.

The interviews focused on local economic impacts tied to lake management, invasive-species prevention and the commission’s role coordinating among jurisdictions from British Columbia to downstream users in Washington and the Columbia River system. Both applicants described ongoing projects and past work intended to protect fisheries and local infrastructure while representing Bonner County interests.

Brent Baker, a commissioner who said he has served on the Lake Pend Oreille Commission “since its inception,” told senators the commission recently approved and funded an economic impact study to document the local value of the lake and strengthen the…