Anchors Away!

Todd Walker conducted the District’s annual buoy cruise, where he evaluated the condition and location of each District-owned buoy. Sometimes storms or winter’s ice will detach a buoy from its anchor. A buoy may “go missing” only to be found miles down the lake! Other times, a collision may damage a buoy to the point where it becomes partially submerged.

Todd confirmed exact GPS coordinates and used a rangefinder to measure specific distances from the shoreline/docks. The locations are a part of each buoy’s permit from the Idaho Department of Lands. If one is off station, the District returns it to its permitted location.

Todd also inspects each buoy to make sure labels are clearly visible, they float properly, and
lights come on at dusk and flash as intended. It often requires heavy lifting and elbow grease.

The District’s maintenance and repair project is designed to keep our buoys in top condition for boaters. New buoys are expensive, so we service salvageable buoys whenever possible.

District-owned buoys are situated at 200 feet to help all boaters recognize the no-wake zone surrounding the lake. The Kootenai County ordinance is designed to help protect people who recreate near the shore, including those who swim, fish, kayak, or paddleboard. In Kootenai County no-wake zones, you are limited to 5 mph, and your wake should be less than 4 inches. And remember, the ordinance is not just about shorelines — it applies within 200 feet of all shorelines, docks, piers, and swimmers!

In addition, boaters on Hayden Lake are subject to a “no excessive wake” rule that prohibits enhanced wake activities 300 feet from shore. If you are a wake sport enthusiast, it is best to keep to the middle of Hayden Lake.

Expect to see Todd working near our buoys in the next two weeks, and please slow down and steer clear to keep him and his team safe!