This interview originally aired Jan. 21, 2021.
Lake Coeur d’Alene is one of the most beautiful natural lakes in the northwest. The North Idaho body of water is home to flora and fauna and is an important place in the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s culture. It’s also home to many vacation homes and folks from around the world visit the lake each year to enjoy its recreational opportunities.
But below the surface, there’s an environmental disaster that scientists say is looming. After decades of mining activity in the region, the lake’s bottom has a layer of dangerous sediment that’s settled after flowing from the mines. Toxic algae blooms are an annual concern, but there’s an even bigger worry on the minds of scientists. Eli Francovich is with the Spokesman Review and shares his recent reporting on the lake with Idaho Matters.
