Members of SLPOA have asked the board to comment on the proposed City of Spirit Lake Comprehensive Plan. The plan proposes to change the zoning of property around the north and west of the Mill Pond from R1 residential to R1 and Mixed Use by agreement. The SLPOA board approved a letter outlining our concerns related to this potential zone change around the lakeshore (see below).
The full City Comprehensive Plan can be downloaded at: https://www.spiritlakeid.gov/planningandzoning#occdrw
September 11, 2025
City of Spirit Lake Council 6042 W. Maine St.
PO Box 309,
Spirit Lake, Idaho 83869
Dear Spirit Lake City Council Members:
The Spirit Lake Property Owners Association (SLPOA) is not opposed to the responsible development of a land owner’s property. We are concerned when development has potential negative implications for the long-term health of Spirit Lake.
After hearing from City residents who are also members of SLPOA, we have been asked to comment on the City’s Comprehensive Plan—in particular the potential zoning change to lakefront property at the Mill Pond area of the lake.
The proposed change in this area from “residential” to “residential with mixed use by
agreement” raises concerns about the future welfare of the lake and its aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal habitat.
Specifically, high density housing and retail development on the waterfront could have potential negative consequences for the lake and especially the vulnerable Mill Pond. Those concerns include:
- Increased boat traffic, especially in the Mill Pond
- Residential and non-residential uses will increase human impacts on the lake
- Increased nutrients released into the lake raising the risk of Harmful Algal Blooms
- The shoreline needs proper riparian area for nutrient filtration and habitat
- An artificial lining was placed in the Mill Pond in the 1990s to stop leakage of lake water into the aquafer. That lining has had to be repaired since then, indicating the vulnerability of the artificial seal that was created.
- The Mill Pond is shallow and is thus particularly vulnerable to boat action and especially prop wash on the lake bottom
Spirit Lake is a fragile ecosystem that has, in the past, been negatively impacted by human action. Not by malicious actions, but well-meaning actions of which long-term impacts were either unknown or not considered. Such things as pilings in the millpond, straightening Brickel Creek, larger and increasing boat activity and increased lake shore development all put a strain on the quality and health of the lake, fisheries and wildlife.
As the City of Spirit Lake considers its expansion and development, the Spirit Lake Property Owners Association ask and hope that the City Council will consider the health and viability of Spirit Lake itself. The lake is an asset for the city, not just the people that live on or own property on the lake.
Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
Paul Sturm, President SLPOA