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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 coordination and 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 $130,538 from Governor Little’s Leading Idaho initiative. This funding supports the facilitation of the science coordination team through fall 2026. The team’s work is anticipated to extend beyond 2026, but operations are contingent upon continued 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 has completed a priorities document that will guide coordinated research and establish a unified approach to avoid duplicating efforts. The next steps are to coordinate science priorities and anticipated science outcomes among researchers.
Outcome
The outcome of the Science Coordination Team is strengthened coordination and collaboration among key entities managing and conducting scientific research in the Coeur d’Alene Basin. The scientific priorities report and regular progress reports will maintain focus on collective basin-wide objectives. Scientific researchers are encouraged to review this document when developing research projects.