Town Without Pity

For those of you not from this area let me explain about our Sanders Beach. The picture shows it from the vantage of a popular hiking area know as Tubbs Hill. For as long as anyone I've talked with can remember this has been one of the most popular areas for local families to gather and enjoy during the summer months. It is soon to be no more thanks to our local "haves". They've laid claim and the public is not welcome.

The determining factor is where the high water mark is and recently the Idaho Supreme Court ruled in favor of the homeowners. I've heard it said the homeowners feel there is plenty of beach the public can use when the lake is drawn down for winter. Right. Winter. When the weather gets cloudy, wet and cold and the youngsters are in school. During the summer months the access and use area is underwater.

While thinking of doing a bit of "good will hunting" this morning I happened across an article in The Coeur d'Alene Press telling of a high end developer up in Dover (just west of Sandpoint) who just handed over the deed for 3,000 feet of shoreline on the Pend Oreille River to the mayor so all of Bonner County will have public access forever. The park includes a sandy beach, forest glades, small islands and wetlands. Ralph and Sandy Sletager. Giving back. What an idea.

Meanwhile, back at our beach, there is to be a protest against the Court's decision - though there has been little publicity. I doubt it will do more than let folks vent their frustration and disappointment. I might suggest an anthem for them:

"How can we keep love alive
How can anything survive
When these little minds tear you in two
What a town without pity can do

No it isn't very pretty
What a town without pity can do
Whoa, can do"