Hayden Lake Marina Upgrade
April 15th Formal Hearing is Cancelled (March 28th Update)
Dear HLWA Members and Friends,
There are moments that remind us why we work so hard to protect this special place, and today is one of them.
Because of your voices, your hours of research, and your unwavering commitment to the future of our lake, the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) has officially cancelled the Hayden Lake Marina Expansion hearing previously set for April 15.
What Happened: Mike Ahmer, Resource Supervisor for the IDL, confirmed that Southern Marinas has withdrawn their application. At this time, they are not moving forward with the proposed plans that many of us felt would negatively impact the shoreline, traffic safety, and the quiet character of Coopers Bay.
Why This is Your Victory: This outcome is a direct result of the bright and generous folks”. Whether you spent your weekends analyzing parking ratios, shared your concerns about wake erosion, or simply spread the word to your neighbors—you made this happen. What’s Next? While we celebrate this pause, the HLWA Board remains vigilant. A "withdrawal" can sometimes precede a revised plan, so we will continue to monitor the IDL filings closely.
We encourage you to stay connected through our official channels for any new developments:
- Here on the HLWA Website
- CAHLME Updates: CAHLME.com
Thank you for being the guardians of Hayden Lake. We are honored to work alongside such a dedicated community.
With deep gratitude,
Jan Wilkins President, Hayden Lake Watershed Association
Support Our Continued Readiness: The Special Legal Fund
To ensure we maintain our legal footing, we are keeping our attorney on retainer and continuing to fund our Special Legal Fund, just as we have successfully done for past legal battles.
100% of your contribution to this fund goes directly toward keeping our legal and expert representation prepared to protect the watershed the moment a new proposal is filed.
How You Can Help:
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Online: Click the Donate button below to make a secure donation to this fund.
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Venmo: Send your contribution to @hlwaidaho
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Mail: Mail your check (payable to HLWAI) to: Hayden Lake Watershed Association PO Box 3583 Hayden, ID 83835
February 25, 2026 - Updates
The HLWA has submitted a formal letter (link below) to the Idaho Department of Lands indicating the Boards' objections to the Hayden Lake Marina Expansion Project. We have learned that the formal hearing will be held on April 15, 2026, starting at noon, exact location TBD.
From noon until 5 pm, IDL will listen to testimony by expert witnesses. The public may have some opportunity to speak after 5 pm.
Legal Announcement posted in the Cd'A Press on 1/23/26
NOTICE OF APPLICATION Pursuant to Section 58-104(9) and 58-1301, et seq., Idaho Code (The Lake Protection Act) and rules of the State Board of Land Commissioners, notice is hereby given that SOURTHERN MARINAS HAYDEN LAKE LLC made application to reconfigure and expand a commercial marina & relocate gas lines and fuel dispensers on Hayden Lake. Located adjacent to H L Honeysuckle Hills BLDG Sites, Lots 71 – 83, BLK 1, Tax 13597, Hayden; Sections 20, Township 51 North, Range 03 West; B.M., in Kootenai County. Written objections to and requests for hearing in this matter must be on file with the Idaho Department of Lands, 3258 W Industrial Loop, Coeur d’Alene ID, 83815, within thirty (30) days after the first appearance of this notice. Requests for hearing must be accompanied by a $75 publication fee. Specific information regarding this application may be obtained from Amidy Fuson, Resource Specialist Sr., at the above address or by calling (208) 769-1577. /S/ Mike Ahmer Resource Supervisor CDA Idaho Department of Lands Legal#15735 AD#45285 January 23, 30, 2026
A Message from the Board, January 28, 2026
The HLWA Board of Directors is reviewing the proposal and has identified several initial concerns: Inadequate parking, negative impacts to traffic on Hayden Lake Rd., detrimental consequences for surrounding residences, and safety concerns about extending gas pumping further from shoreline.
In addition, the pump-out station may enable houseboats to anchor in Hayden Lake Bays.
We are seeking more information, and we would encourage you to register your objections and concerns with us and to the Idaho Department of Lands, before February 24, 2026.
Information regarding this application may be obtained from Amidy Fuson, Resource Specialist Sr., at Idaho Department of Lands, 3258 W Industrial Loop, Coeur d’Alene ID, 83815 or by calling (208) 769-1577. Mike Ahmer Resource Supervisor CDA Idaho Department of Lands Legal#15735 AD#45285
Idaho Department of Lands Application of Encroachment ERL95S1741Q
Application Date 10/16/2025