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Project Sponsor
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, with participation from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, US Geological Survey, US Environmental Protection Agency, and University of Idaho.
Purpose
This project establishes a technical team to further the scientific understanding of Coeur d’Alene Lake, including influences from the surrounding basin and Spokane River. Based on recommendations from the 2022 National Academies of Sciences report, the team will work to improve communication of data collected from the Coeur d’Alene basin to inform decision makers and the general public. This effort aims to increase scientific knowledge that will support resource management decisions made to protect public health, ecological health, beneficial uses, and cultural uses.
Funding
This project received $150,000 from Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative. This initial funding will support the facilitation and development of the science coordination team for the first three years. The team’s work is anticipated to extend beyond three years, but operations are contingent upon long-term funding.
Current Status
The Coeur d’Alene Lake Science Coordination Team includes water quality experts from DEQ, USGS, EPA, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and University of Idaho. The team is completing a priorities document that will guide coordinated research and establish a unified research plan to avoid duplicating efforts.
Outcome
The team will produce a report identifying scientific priorities for Coeur d’Alene Lake and will annually update progress towards those objectives. The team will also develop a basin-wide integrated trend analysis in coordination with EPA’s five-year review of cleanup activities in the Coeur d’Alene Basin.