About Us
The Fernan Lake Recreation and Conservation Association (FLRCA) was established in 1997 with its mission to “preserve the scenic and natural resource value of the Fernan Lake Watershed and enhance its beneficial uses, both public and private, utilizing sound conservation practices."Members of this non-profit group work towards preserving Fernan Lake and Fernan Valley. We believe in developing and enforcing appropriate rules and regulations that promote safe public access and use of Fernan Lake and roadways while respecting the beauty of this natural resource with associated wildlife habitat. We respect the rights and concerns of property owners with lands contiguous to Fernan Lake and Fernan Valley without compromising its environmental integrity.
The FLRCA treasury is used for water testing processes, lake and roadside clean-up, outreach and educational workshops, and attorney and health expert fees, when necessary.Since the 1990s, Fernan Lake has experienced annual harmful algae blooms (HABs) which produce dangerous cyanotoxins that can sicken people and kill pets. HABs, which are stimulated by the presence of excessive phosphorus, now occur over a period of 140-180 days each year resulting in no-contact advisories when individuals most want to use the lake. The lake offers an important recreational area for fishing, boating, and swimming to locals in the Coeur d’Alene area; however, frequent HABs restrict these activities most summers and lower the value of the lake to the local community and lake recreators. In addition, the lake presents a phosphorus load to downstream areas - which is Coeur d’Alene Lake given it is only 0.5 miles away.
