Our Gem
The Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative is a team of committed and passionate professionals working to preserve lake health and protect water quality by promoting community awareness of local water resources through education, outreach and stewardship.
Our Gem includes local experts from the University of Idaho Community Water Resource Center, Coeur d’Alene Tribe Lake Management Department, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, Kootenai County, Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber and CDA 2030.
Coeur d'Alene Lake Study
A study is currently underway to analyze the future of water quality in Coeur d'Alene Lake. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and Kootenai County contracted the National Academy of Sciences to conduct the assessment, expected to be complete by summer 2022. The study is endorsed by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and the Our Gem Collaborative. Visit the National Academies page to learn more.
Our Gem Speaker Series
The Our Gem Collaborative Speaker Series features water and development experts from around the state. Upcoming sessions will be posted here as they are scheduled.
Lake Science 101, Sept. 15, 2020
University of Idaho Professor Frank Wilhelm presents Lake Science 101.
Preserving Water Quality, Sept. 17, 2020
David Callahan discusses Kootenai County’s role in preserving water quality.
CDA Lake Management, Sept. 22, 2020
Jamie Brunner, DEQ, and Rebecca Stevens, CDA Tribe, talk about CDA lake management.
Aquatic Invasive Species, Sept. 24, 2020
Kim Holzer with the Idaho Dept. of Agriculture presents on aquatic invasive species.
Stormwater Outfall Reduction, Jan. 26, 2021
City of Coeur d’Alene Engineer Chris Bosley presents on outfall reduction plans.
Atlas Waterfront Project, Feb. 2, 2021
Hilary Anderson, City of Coeur d’Alene, and Phil Boyd, Welch-Comer Engineers, discuss the development.
Gray’s Meadow Restoration, Feb. 4, 2021
Idaho Fish and Game’s David Leptich talks about natural resource restoration at Gray’s Meadow.
Resources
The Coeur d’Alene LakeASyst is a tool for local landowners. LakeASyst for the Coeur d’Alene Basin was developed by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Lake Management Teams. The manual consists of 11 sections, each addressing a specific topic related to nonpoint sources of pollution. Topics include lawn and garden management, new construction, and household wastewater treatment. Each section contains information related to the topic, a self-assessment, and a resource directory to connect you with more information and professionals that can help. The manual provides a simple reference on ways of minimizing impacts of a variety of activities.
Articles
The Our Gem Collaborative team regularly contributes data-driven articles to the Coeur d’Alene Press to promote dialogue and community action in caring for Coeur d’Alene Lake.