Bayview news: Improvement to kokanee spawning beds OK’d

Waterford Park Homes received a letter Dec. 4, approving the mitigation of the damaged kokanee salmon spawning beds that occurred last year. The marina had pounded pilings into the lake bed and dragged a barge through the beds during the critical hatching period.

The letter, written by Edward Robinson, area manager for Idaho Fish and Game, essentially said that the department was satisfied with the mitigation work and further work that transcended the damage area.

“In addition to removing much of the fine sediment from the site, many years of human-deposited debris from the bottom of the lake were also removed, improving the site over the pre-damaged conditions,” Robinson wrote. “My letter to you on Oct. 3, 2007, indicated that if the clean-up work was completed in a fashion that resulted in an improvement to the site, it would be considered to be both restoration of the site, and as mitigation for damage done to the kokanee population.”

Robinson also removed the cease-and-desist order, with the provision that the site not be disturbed during the spawning period, and that no activities be conducted until July 1, unless prior approval is obtained.

Fundraiser to benefit YES

Youth Equipped For Success is holding a fundraiser barbecue dinner Saturdayat 5 p.m. at the Buttonhook in Bayview.

YES is the brainchild of some folks from Spirit Lake who felt their children weren’t getting enough attention and that mentoring beyond what is taught in school was needed. Some of the kids come from dysfunctional families, and some just need a place to go and things to do to better prepare them for the future.

Tina Arendt, manager of Waterford Park Marinas, discovered this group and offered to sponsor a dinner, fully staffed and paid for by the Buttonhook. All proceeds will go to YES. A full-course dinner with all the goodies can be yours for $7.95. For information, call Tina at (208) 683-2213.

Wheel Christmas party planned

The annual Christmas party at the Captain’s Wheel is Sunday, from 3 to 7 p.m. It’s a potluck, with the Captain’s Wheel furnishing ham and turkey, and guests bringing side dishes. No side dishes, come on down anyway. There is always plenty for all.

Music will be provided by will be the Burning Gods of Love.