Folks who live on Cocolalla Lake in North Idaho, fish its waters and enjoy its seasons feel strongly about protecting its peaceful waters, year in and year out. They've mobilized to clear invasive Eurasian milfoil from the lake, monitored its algae and pond weed, and gauged its ups and downs. "The worst thing that can happen is to see the water going down," said Chuck Gladish, a retired airline pilot from western Washington who's lived on the lake for the last 16 years and serves as president of the Cocolalla Lake Association.

Now a measure is pending in the Idaho Legislature to declare an official minimum lake level for Cocolalla Lake, with water rights to back it up appropriated by the Idaho Water Resources Board; it's a move that's been in the works since the association requested it in 2004. The Idaho Senate is expected to vote on the concurrent resolution this morning, and its sponsor, Sen. Joyce Broadsword, R-Sagle, said she expects smooth sailing for it. You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.