F&G Proposes Rose Lake Launch Improvements

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is proposing an access site expansion and improvement project for the Rose Lake boat launch. Rose Lake covers 300 acres and is about four miles south of I-90 on Highway 3, 20 miles east of Coeur d'Alene in Kootenai County. It is an excellent fishery for warm-water species, including crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass and channel catfish. The current condition and design of the Rose Lake boating access site is inadequate for the current level of use and for projected public demand in the future. "Congestion at the ramp has caused some frustration by boaters when they must wait to launch or load their boats," said JJ Teare, Fish and Game habitat land manager. The existing ramp is shallow and needs be extended and widened to allow for easier loading. The parking is too far from the ramp, the road in between is narrow and steep, and the site is not user friendly to anglers with impaired mobility. The proposed project involves converting the Rose Lake boat launch from a primitive site to a modern facility. Amenities would include 20 or more parking spaces, a new access road to the ramp and a larger loading area. ADA accessible parking is proposed near the docks and ramps. Surfaces would be paved with asphalt, and new lighting would make launching and loading easier. A new double-lane launch surface is proposed to connect to a new boarding dock system with a new boat preparation area to reduce congestion at the ramp. Fish and Game has allocated $70,000 to renovate and expand the launch in the fall of 2013. Engineering estimates place the total project costs at $195,000. Fish and Game is submitting an Idaho Parks and Recreation Waterways Improvement Fund grant application for $125,000. If approved, adequate funds will exist to complete the project. Fish and Game is requesting letters of support and public comments for the project. Anyone with questions or comments about the project may contact Dave Ross, Fish and Game regional access maintenance foreman, or JJ Teare at 769-1414. Letters of support may be e-mailed to Jim.teare@idfg.idaho.gov or mailed to 2885 W. Kathleen Ave, CDA, ID 83815 and received by January 22. A public meeting is planned this spring at Rose Lake should the project get funded and approved for 2013.