State looking at what's best for Kootenai River, outfitters

State officials hope to determine what’s best for the Kootenai River and the outfitters who work on it.

“We’re really very preliminary (with the research) in this,” said Jake Howard, executive director for Idaho Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board. “We’re really concerned about getting input from people in the immediate area.”

The board, which is working with Idaho Department of Fish and Game, regulates the outfitting industry in the state for safeguarding the public while contributing to the conservation of Idaho's fish, wildlife and natural resources.

Howard explained that the board periodically looks at the allocation of resources on different rivers.

“We had an application surface here about a year ago to use the Kootenai River and we went back and looked at what was going on there. We thought there needed to be some analysis of the river.”

Currently the Kootenai River in Idaho allows for 10 outfitters — five with powered boats and five with non-powered boats. Only about half of the allocation is filled, Howard said.

“From our understanding the fishing on the Kootenai, at least from the Libby Dam down to Bonners Ferry, is starting to improve,” Howard said. “I think it’s a slow improvement. Our concern is we appropriate the river accordingly so it doesn’t jeopardize the resources.”

He referred questions concerning the fish population to Chip Corsi, regional manager with Idaho Fish and Game in Coeur d’Alene. Corsi could not be reached.

Howard and Corsi toured the river, allowing Howard to learn more about its resources.

“As we move forward, there will be some opportunity for public input and from the outfitting industry,” Howard said.

Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative, which involves local officials from various organizations, including the City of Bonners Ferry and Boundary County government, also have been briefed on the effort.