Limited Time Offer. Become a Founder Member Now!

IDL outlines navigable-waters permit workload, mine-reclamation role and lease activity

October 28, 2025 | Bonner County, Idaho


This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »

IDL outlines navigable-waters permit workload, mine-reclamation role and lease activity
Eric Scholquist told county officials that the department administers encroachment permits for submerged public-trust lands (docks, boat launches and other overwater structures) on Lake Pend Oreille, Clark Fork, the Priest River and select other waters. He said two resource specialists in Sandpoint work in that program and that there are "more than 3,000 active encroachment permits" covering docks, boat launches and waterfront structures.

Scholquist also summarized IDLs role under the Mining Land Reclamation Act, which requires reclamation plans for mining operations and funds some abandoned-mine work and safety closures. He said the abandoned-mine program is largely voluntary but that funding and contractors exist for projects such as bat gates or plugging shafts where safety is a concern.

Chad Ramsey and Eric Scholquist noted that the Sandpoint office manages leases for recreation cabins, four mineral leases in Bonner County, and one grazing lease. Staff said that most legal easements on endowment lands are for natural-resource use and do not automatically guarantee public access; public access is allowed where it does not conflict with fiduciary obligations to generate revenue for beneficiaries.

View full meeting

This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.

View full meeting