Coeur D'alene Reservation 2007 Community Bioregional Atlas

2007
The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas
University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative
The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregion Atlas
Project Advisor:
Dr. Tamara Laninga
Authors:
Andrew Ackerman Joshua Arnold Jessica Evans Kay Kidder Laura Laumatia Jon Meier Hanna Persson
Acknowledgments: Special thanks to The Coeur dAlene Tribe, Horizons staff, and community members of the bioregion
December 2007
Preface
The Coeur dAlene Community Bioregional Atlas was prepared by University of Idaho graduate students in the Bioregional Planning and Community Design program. A key component of the Bioregional Planning program is partnering students and faculty with Idaho communities through Learning and Practice Collaboratives (LPCs) to create healthy and attractive places to live through sustainable land use and transportation planning. The LPCs give students hands-on planning experience, while providing communities with a team of people to address community planning issues. During the first semester in the program, students are introduced to the LPC community they will be working with during their time in the program. In addition to exploring the history of the community, visiting the region, and meeting with key community leaders, students develop a bioregional atlas, which gives them a comprehensive picture of the communities and region where they will be working. The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas is the first atlas produced by students in the Bioregional Planning program. A bioregional planning perspective examines regions from a geographic boundary, such as a watershed, rather than from political jurisdictions, and incorporates political, historical, economic, and cultural knowledge to arrive at solutions that respond more effectively to the limits and potentials of a region.1 For this atlas, the bioregion was defined by a number of small watersheds within the Coeur dAlene Reservation including: Lake Creek, Hangman Creek, Plummer Creek, Benewah Creek and the southern portion of the Lake Coeur dAlene. The atlas contains a wide range of information for the Coeur dAlene Reservation Community bioregion including: biophysical elements, history, culture, community life, the legal and political context, housing, health and medical, demographics, education, economics, infrastructure, and transportation. Throughout the data collection process, students learned a great deal about the Coeur dAlene Reservation Community bioregion. This information will be applicable to the LPC planning projects students will be working on with community members during the remainder of their time in the planning program. It is our hope that the community will find this atlas a useful resource providing access to a wealth of information about the region in one place.
Brunckhorst D.J., 2000. Bioregional planning: resource management beyond the new millennium. Amsterdam: Harwood Academic.
Table of Contents
Introduction..7 Section 1: Biophysical.....11 Section 2: History......17 Section 3: Culture.....23 Section 4: Community Life...27 Section 5: Legal and Political.....33 Section 6: Housing....39 Section 7: Health and Medical...43 Section 8: Demographics.....47 Section 9: Education....53 Section 10: Economics....61 Section 11: Infrastructure..69 Section 12: Transportation...73
The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas
Regions, cities, and other human settlements are inextricably and profoundly embedded in an ever-present and ever-changing environmental and ecological context. The paradigm of sustainable places holds that we must increasingly understand regions and cities as organic entitiesentities that require environmental goods and inputs that interact with one another, modify and influence the natural environment, and transform resources from one form to another. 1 --Beatley and Manning, 1997
Introduction
Figure 1: Along the Trail of the Coeur dAlenes
Introduction and Purpose

An atlas can contain information about a places natural environment, including its geology, topography, vegetation wildlife; and information about natural processes such as its climate and hydrology; or information about the human environment such as demographics, cultural, political, and transportation systems. A bioregional atlas includes all these factors. Bioregions, which do not usually follow political boundaries, are defined by a combination of natural features such as geology and topography, and cultural landscape limits.2 It is our hope that this atlas will shed new light on the bioregional concept for the Coeur dAlene Reservation Community. The bioregion is first identified through primary watersheds, which provide a physical definition of the region (see Figure 2).
Source: www.friendsofcdatrails.org/CdA_Trail/
The next stage is to incorporate the social, economic, cultural, historical and environmental information on the region. By taking a holistic look at the region, it is hoped that this approach may be useful in framing important issues and preparing for planning efforts within a regional context in both the short term (5, 10 years) and long term (50, 100 years and beyond). It is our goal to provide an ever-expanding atlas of regional information that can be used to support dialogue and generate new ideas for resolution of regional issues. This atlas, in many respects, is the first step supporting that dialogue.
An Awareness of a Changing Region

All across the country, the concept of region is being reintroduced into discussions of growth and quality of life. Region is not a new concept; it has been utilized as framework to plan in this country for over 100 years. However, the regions that we are talking about now are significantly different than those discussed in the past, and those that we define today are likely to be very different 100 years from now. This is in large part due to the dynamic interactions that develop and grow or dissipate among groups of people and their environment, the changing economic landscape, and how a particular economic landscape translates to the human-built forms across the physical landscape.
Introduction
Figure 2: Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregion
Source: Coeur dAlene Tribe, Integrated Resource Management Plan-FPEIS 2007
Landscapes of the Schitsuumsh
Introduction
The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregion is intimately linked with the Schitsuumsh, those who were found here. For thousands of years or since time immemorial the landscape of the Coeur dAlene region was created and transformed by the Creator and the First Peoples for the Human Peoples we know as the Coeur dAlene or Schitsuumsh.2 The traditional teachings of the Schitsuumsh remain with us today in the Twenty First Century. The magnitude and depth of the Coeur dAlene indigenous knowledge of the region positions them to be a key partner in the stewardship of the land, water and culture. The Schitsuumsh carry a powerful voice and strength for the protection and preservation of their aboriginal homeland. A homeland inhabited by a multitude of peoples, all of whom share in a common kinship to occupy and care for the land.3
Figure 3: Aboriginal Territory of the Coeur dAlene Tribe
Source: Integrated Resource Management Plan-FPEIS 2007
Introduction
1 2
Timothy Beatley and Kristy Manning, The Ecology of Place (Wahington, D.C.: Island Press, 1997), 171-193.
Frey, Rodney. 2001. Landscape Traveled by Coyote and Crane: The World of the Schitsuumsh. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 3 McGrory, Klyza C. 1999. Bioregional Possibilities in Vermont. In Bioregionalism, Ed. McGinnis, M.V. New York: Routledge.
10
Biophysical
Biophysical
Section 1
By Andrew Ackerman and Joshua Arnold
Biophysical components of the region are those which form the foundation for all systems of life. For example, water, in the form of lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater, is a central feature of the regional landscape. People rely upon a consistent and quality water resource for a variety of purposes including drinking water and crop cultivation. Surface water bodies are important for both recreational and spiritual purposes as well. A resource like water is also critical to all the other living organisms inhabiting the landscape. We have attempted to highlight some of the more salient features, both within the bioregion as it is being defined, and within the larger landscape across which many ecological systems function. It is recognized that there is likely important information lacking here that would be valuable in painting a better picture of the living landscapehowever this is a starting point on which to build. It is also recognized that the USDA Forest Service lands to the east of the region play a significant role in the conditions of the natural features of the region as well as how people relate to these landscapes.
In this section:
Water Surface water Land Topography Geology Soils Local Climate Vegetation and Wildlife Grasslands Woodlands
11
Biophysical

end of this setting is common on northwest to eastfacing slopes, riparian and poorly drained subalpine sites. The cool to cold dry sites occur at higher elevations and typically have a short growing season.1
The existing and historic natural conditions and vegetation response to disturbance vary by ecological or biophysical settings throughout the region. Each biophysical setting has characteristic natural communities, soils, hydrologic function, landform and topography, climate, air quality, and natural processes (e.g. nutrient and biomass cycling, succession, productivity, and fire regimes). Each setting also includes moisture and temperature gradients, resulting in growing conditions that are more similar within than between each setting. Initially, three broad biophysical settings are used to describe the historic and current conditions in the region:
Landscape Pattern
To understand how ecosystems function, it is important to understand how much variety exists in vegetative structures as well as understand the patterns of how vegetation structures are arranged across the landscape. Landscape pattern affects numerous ecological process, including: watershed functioning; wildlife habitat and dispersal; plant habitat and dispersal; disturbance (fire, insects, pathogens) risk, spread and size; ecosystem response to disturbance; and human aesthetic values.2
Warm/Dry this setting includes the warmest and driest grass/agricultural lands and forests that support a mix of prairie and forest vegetation, usually at low elevations or mid-elevations on southerly aspects. Warm/Moist this setting includes moist forest or valley drainage sites, usually low to mid-elevation, and includes stream bottoms and adjacent benches and toe slopes. This setting is the most productive, with favorable soil moisture and temperature regimes that favor abundant plant growth. Subalpine this setting includes the moist, lower subalpine forest to the cool or cold dry sites between forest and alpine tundra. The moist
12
Figure 1.1: Landscape of the Schitsuumsh
Data source: http://inside.uidaho.edu/default.htm
Biophysical
Water
Surface Water
Lakes and Rivers
The dominant water body in the region is Lake Coeur dAlene, which is the central feature of the aboriginal Schitsuumshs territory and the bioregion as defined by this Atlas. Within the aboriginal territory there are a variety of lesser lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands (see Figure 1.1 and 1.2)
Figure 1.2: Hangman Creek Watershed
St. Maries and feeds into Lake Coeur dAlene. Prior to construction of the Post Falls Dam, Benewah, Round and Chatcolet Lakes formed a chain of separate water bodies along the river as it flowed west.
Wetlands and Creeks

Hangman, Rose, Plummer, Benewah, Rock and Lake Creek all flow through the region and help to define the local watershed. Wetlands are interspersed throughout the region from upland forest wetlands to a variety of marshlands and potholes.
Land
Topography and Soils
The land surface in the portion of the region consisting of the reservation has modest relief, ranging in elevation from of 2,200 to 2,600 feet above sea level. The western and northern portion of the region is much more irregular with a few mountain peaks rising to a height of 4,000 to 5,500 feet. A large portion of the reservation consists of rolling hills, much of which is covered with various types of evergreen timber. About 24,500 acres are cropland, much of which is owned by members of the Tribe and leased out for farming. Soils in the region are predominantly loess deposits. Because of the terrain, each soil type falls into one of five categories. These categories are identified as:
Source: Spokane County Conservation District
1) Undulating to steep, well-drained and moderately well-drained soils on loess-covered hills. 2) Steep and very steep, well-drained soils on mountains. 3) Sloping to very steep, well-drained soils on basalt terraces and escarpments. 4) Undulating to hilly, moderately well-drained soils on lake terraces. 5) Level and nearly level, very poorly drained to somewhat poorly drained soils on flood plains and low stream terraces.3
University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative 13
The southern halves of Lake Coeur dAlene and Black Lake, and several creeks and mountains characterize the northern one-fourth of the reservation, which lies in Kootenai County. Abundant water resources also characterize the remainder of the reservation, which lies in Benewah County. The St. Joe River flows from Shoshone County west to St. Maries and is joined by the St. Maries River flowing northwest from Shoshone County. The St. Joe River then flows northwest from the city of
Biophysical

range from 2,300 to 2,800 feet. The average precipitation is 25 to 30 inches and the average annual temperatures are about 38 to 42 degrees.3 Although soil conditions vary throughout the region, the main impact to new and existing development is one of drainage. In wet weather periods, water tends to stay on or near the surface on some of the more impervious soils, particularly in agricultural areas, which tend to be the flatter low lands. Design and construction requires that the foundation be above the surrounding grade. This allows the base to drain and reduces the potential for foundation deterioration due to freezing.
Approximately 30 percent of the regions soils are found in the first category. These soils are mainly in the western part of the reservation, but some are found in the eastern forested area. They formed in loess mixed with volcanic ash and are very deep. Most of the acreage is used for cultivated crops. Elevations range from about 2,500 to 4, 000 feet, and the average annual precipitation is about 10 to 35 inches. Soils in the second category are abundant and found throughout the reservation and the region. These soils formed in a loess mantle that contains volcanic ash over material derived from meta-sedimentary or granitic bedrock or shale. They are shallow to deep and most of the acreage is forested. Elevations range from about 2,300 to 6,200 feet, and the average annual precipitation is about 25 to 50 inches. Also found throughout the region, but in lesser abundance, are soils in the third category. These soils formed in loess and volcanic ash that overlies basaltic lava flows. They are shallow and moderately deep, and most of the acreage is forested. Average annual precipitation is about 22-30 inches with annual temperatures averaging 40-48 degrees. Only about 1 percent of the soils on the Reservation fall into the fourth category. These soils are found in small areas on lake terraces throughout the region and are formed in a volcanic ash mantle over glaciolacustrine sediment. The soils are very deep and most of the acreage is used for urban developments, pasture, or woodland. Elevations
14
Local Climate
On the Coeur dAlene Reservation, summers are warm or hot in most valleys but cooler in the mountains. Winters are cold in the mountains where precipitation, which occurs throughout the year, causes a deep snowpack. In valleys, precipitation in summer falls as showers with an occasional thunderstorm. During winter months, the ground is covered with snow much of the time. Chinook winds are warm and dry and often melt and evaporate the snow. In winter, the average temperature is 31.2 degrees F., and the average daily minimum temperature is 24.1 degrees. In summer, the average temperature is 65 degrees, and the average daily maximum temperature is 82.7. Of the total annual precipitation, 10 inches, or 33 percent, usually falls in April through September, which increases the growing season for most crops. Thunderstorms occur on about 16 days each year, mostly in the summer. Average snowfall is 59.5 inches. The greatest snow depth at any one time during the period of record was 35 inches. On average, 28 days have at least 1 inch of snow on the ground, but the number of such days varies greatly from year to year.3
Vegetation and Wildlife

Forest and Grassland
There are four categories of habitat on the reservation open land, woodland, wetland and rangeland each with distinct kinds of vegetation.
The open land consists of cropland, pasture, meadows and areas that are overgrown with grasses, herbs, shrubs, and vines. These areas produce grain and seed crops, grasses and legumes, and wild herbaceous plants. Examples of wild herbaceous plants that are native or naturally established grasses and forbs include blue wild rye, pine reedgrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, elk sedge, hawkweed, Sandberg peavine, and geranium. Shrubs in the area include baldhip rose, snowberry, and mountain blueberry. Examples of cultivated crops include corn, wheat, oats and barley. Grasses include fescue, lovegrass, bromegrass, clover and alfalfa. The kinds of wildlife attracted to these areas include Hungarian partridge, pheasant, meadowlark, mourning dove, field sparrow, cottontail rabbit, skunk and woodchuck.1, 2, 3
Biophysical
herbaceous plants. Many of the coniferous plants are pine, spruce, fir, cedar and juniper. Wildlife attracted to these areas includes ruffed grouse, woodcock, thrush, woodpeckers, squirrels, gray fox, raccoon, deer, elk and bear. Most of the plants comprising the wetland habitat include smartweed, wild millet, wildrice, saltgrass, cordgrass, rushes, sedges and reeds. Some of the wildlife attracted to these areas includes ducks, geese, shore birds, muskrat, mink and beaver.1, 2, 3 The rangeland habitat consists of areas of wild herbaceous plants and shrubs. Wildlife attracted to rangeland includes mule deer, bobcat, quail, meadowlark, coyote, and chukar.1
Figure 1.3: Chukar
Woodlands
The woodland habitat consists of areas of hardwoods or conifers, or a mixture of both, and associated grasses, legumes, and wild
Source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game
15
Biophysical
1 2
Kootenai Idaho Panhandle National Forest Coeur dAlene Tribe. 2007. Integrated Resource Management Plan, Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement. 3 Coeur dAlene Tribe. 2004. Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
16
History
Section 2
By Hanna Persson
History
The history of the communities and people found on the Coeur dAlene Reservation is rich and filled with many important events that have each marked the beginning of a new way of life in the region. The earliest residents of this area of Northern Idaho are the Coeur dAlene Tribe, or Schitsuumsh. The first Euro-American contact with the Tribe occurred in the 1700s, which introduced the Coeur dAlene people to the horse, but also to many new diseases. The non-native influence in the region grew successively. The Coeur dAlene Indian Reservation was created through a series of executive orders between 1873 and 1889. The Allotment Act of 1909 brought homesteaders to the region. People arrived from all parts of the nation looking to create a better life for themselves, and several communities emerged on the reservation.
In this section:
Aboriginal Lands of the Schitsuumsh Euro-American Contact Creation of the Coeur dAlene Indian Reservation 20th Century Events Plummer and Worley DeSmet and Tensed
17
History
Figure 2.1: Timeline of the Schitsuumsh
18
1800
Lewis and Clark Father DeSmet Fur Trade ( Alchohol Intro)
1760
CdA Tirbe Pop. 5,000+
1850
Missions
War
CdA Tribe pop 500
Intro to Horse; Bison Hunts Begin

Small Pox Epidemic

(1806) (1809)
Bison Hunts End
(1775)
(1842)
(1858) (1860)
Mullan Rd. Wheat Fee sale Citizenship IRA
School
Dawes
ICA
1900
Tribal Government
1950
Indian Self Det. Act
Right to hunt/fish lands
2000
(1862)
Mining
(1878)
(1887) (1889)
(1906)
(1924)
(1934)
(1947)
(1975)
(1989)
History
Aboriginal Lands of the Schitsuumsh

The aboriginal lands of the Coeur dAlene Tribe stretched across much of todays panhandle region of Idaho, including parts of eastern Washington and western Montana. The landscape followed the natural boundaries of the lakes, rivers, and mountains in all cardinal directions. These boundaries were fluid rather than strict barriers, and were recognized by both the Coeur dAlene and neighboring tribes. This geographic area has been the home of the Schitsuumsh (Coeur d Alene tribe) since time immemorial, the heart of which is Lake Coeur dAlene. The name Schitsuumsh means simply, the ones that were found here.1
As noted in an account of Joseph Seltice, Chief Circling Raven was head chief of the Coeur dAlenes for one hundred years, from 1660 to 1760. Circling Raven received a vision of the coming of the black robes. Although he did not encounter the black robes during his lifetime the vision was later manifested in the arrival of Jesuit priests to the region. In 1760 Circling Ravens son, Twisted Earth, took over the role of chief by right of lineage and ruled until 1844, during which time he experienced the arrival of the black robes.4 Beginning in the mid-1770s, the Coeur dAlene were affected by a series of smallpox epidemics. The Tribe was so severely impacted by this disease that by 1854 the Tribes population had been reduced from 5,000 to approximately 500.5
Figure 2.2: Cataldo Mission
Euro-American Contact
The first Euro-American influence on the Tribe came through the introduction of the horse, which became fully integrated into the lives of the Coeur dAlene by the 1760s.2 The horse had a substantial impact on the lives of the Coeur dAlene, allowing them to travel quicker and across greater distances than previously possible. The Coeur dAlene people were now able to travel to hunt bison in Western Montana, providing a new food source for the tribe. At this point in time plains-style tipis began to replace the use of the traditional tulemat lodges.3
Source: http://www.visitidaho.org/assets/photos/detail/CataldoMission2.jpg
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark came across the Schitsuumsh in May 1806 and reported seeing around 120 lodges along what is today Lake Coeur dAlene.6 A few years later fur trade had begun and it is believed that the Coeur dAlene got their name from some Frenchspeaking Iroquois fur trappers living among the Flathead. The trappers considered the Schitsuumsh to be shrewd traders and gave them the name Coeur dAlene which means heart of an awl, or pointed hearts. The Coeur dAlene gained access to new material goods through the fur trade, but exposure to diseases and alcohol brought further problems for the Tribe. In 1844, Chief Vincent,
History

lands were opened up for purchase by non-tribal parties. By 1921, there were only four Coeur dAlene families who were able to continue farming on their allotments.9 Peter Wildshoe acted as chief of the Coeur dAlenes, from 1902 to 1907, by right of lineage. The next chief, Peter Moctelme, was once again elected by the tribe and ruled until 1932, when this role was given to Joseph Seltice.10 The Allotment Act brought a new group of people to the region as homesteaders began to purchase land on the Coeur dAlene Reservation. The towns that quickly emerged as a result of this influx of people were largely based on an economy associated with natural resource extraction and agriculture.
was elected through the first tribal election and ruled until 1865, when Andrew Seltice took over as chief until his death in 1902.7
Creation of the Coeur dAlene Indian Reservation

The Coeur dAlene Reservation was established through a series of Executive Orders in 1873, 1887, and 1889. The order of 1873 created the original reservation boundary. The Dawes Act of 1887, coupled with Idahos movement toward statehood during the same period, resulted in the cession of additional lands by the Coeur dAlene Tribe. Idaho farmers and businessmen worked to ensure that the new state of Idaho gained control of the natural resources within state boundaries. Policy changes involved with the Dawes Act allowed for negotiation with the Coeur dAlene tribe to gain control over mineral and timberlands. The final agreement of 1889 reduced the Coeur dAlene Reservation boundary to its current size.8
Plummer and Worley

The history of the town of Plummer began in 1909 when land on the Coeur dAlene reservation was opened up for purchase by non-natives. A one mile square town site was laid out by government officials and named, Plummer, after one of the surveyors. Town lots were sold on July 18, 1910. Just two years later the town had reached a population of 800. Benewah County was established in 1915 and Plummer campaigned to become the county seat, but was not granted this role. North-south Highway 95 was built through the town in 1932, which drew several businesses to locate in town at the junction of Highways 5 and 95. Plummer was initially a very prosperous town, operating several sawmills, but suffered setbacks after World War I when much of the local timber had been logged off and many businesses left town.11 The town of Worley, located six miles north of Plummer, is named after the former Coeur dAlene Reservation superintendent, Charles O. Worley.12 Early settlement in Worley developed simultaneously with that in Plummer. During the first years, roads between the two towns consisted of rudimentary trails that were best traveled on horseback, but development of infrastructure progressed quickly.
20th Century Events

The Allotment Act was implemented on the Coeur dAlene Reservation in 1909, which significantly reduced the size of individual land parcels owned by Coeur dAlene tribal members. As a result, it became practically impossible for the tribe to continue the agricultural practices they had been conducting successfully for an extended period of time. The unused reservation
20
History
DeSmet and Tensed

In 1842 Catholic missionary, Father Pierre Sean de Smet, after whom the community is named, authorized the establishment of the first Catholic mission, on the St. Joe River.13 Father de Smet was born in Belgium and arrived in Idaho in 1842. He first established a mission near the location of what is now the city of St. Maries. After being flooded several times, the mission at St. Joe River was moved to Cataldo. In 1876 the mission was moved again to present day DeSmet. A community was built up around the mission at DeSmet, although the mission itself is no longer standing.14
The town of Tensed was originally built as a subcommunity of DeSmet but eventually grew large enough to establish its own post office.15 At first the town tried to use the same name as their neighbor, DeSmet, but this name was denied by the postal service because the post office at the DeSmet mission already had this name. The community reapplied by reversing the name to spell Temsed, but due to a misprint by the postal service the name became Tensed.16
Figure 2.3: DeSmet, Idaho 1909
Source: http://content.lib.washington.edu/aipnw/frey.html
21
History
Frey, Rodney. 2001. Landscape Traveled by Coyote and Crane: The World of the Schitsu;umsh (Coeur dAlene Indians). Seattle: University of Washington Press. 2 Frey, Rodney. Coeur dAlene (Schitsuumsh). University of Washington Libraries: American Indians of the Pacific Northwest Collection. http://content.lib.washington.edu/aipnw/frey.html (accessed September 9, 2007). 3 Ibid 4 Seltice, Chief Joseph. 1990. Saga of the Coeur dAlene Indians. Edited by Edward J. Kowrach and Thomas E. Connolly. Fairfield: Ye Galleon Press. 5 Frey, Rodney. Coeur dAlene (Schitsuumsh). University of Washington Libraries: American Indians of the Pacific Northwest Collection. http://content.lib.washington.edu/aipnw/frey.html (accessed September 9, 2007). 6 Ibid 7 Seltice, Chief Joseph. 1990. Saga of the Coeur dAlene Indians. Edited by Edward J. Kowrach and Thomas E. Connolly. Fairfield: Ye Galleon Press. 8 Woodworth-Ney, Laura. 2004. Mapping Identity: The Creation of the Coeur dAlene Indian Reservation, 1805-1902. Boulder: University Press of Colorado. 9 Frey, Rodney. Coeur dAlene (Schitsuumsh). University of Washington Libraries: American Indians of the Pacific Northwest Collection. http://content.lib.washington.edu/aipnw/frey.html (accessed September 9, 2007). 10 Seltice, Chief Joseph. 1990. Saga of the Coeur dAlene Indians. Edited by Edward J. Kowrach and Thomas E. Connolly. Fairfield: Ye Galleon Press. 11 Wetter, Karl. 1962. Tales of Early Plummer. Plummer: Plummer High School. 12 Root, Don. 2001. Moon handbooks: Idaho. Fourth Edition. Emeryville: Avalon Travel Publishing. 13 Derig, Betty. 1996. Roadside history of Idaho. Missoula: Mountain Press Publishing Company. 14 Root, Don. 2001. Moon handbooks: Idaho. Fourth Edition. Emeryville: Avalon Travel Publishing. 15 Ibid 16 Derig, Betty. 1996. Roadside history of Idaho. Missoula: Mountain Press Publishing Company. *Images on title page: Frey, Rodney. Coeur dAlene (Schitsuumsh). University of Washington Libraries: American Indians of the Pacific Northwest Collection. http://content.lib.washington.edu/aipnw/frey.html (accessed September 9, 2007).
22
Culture
Section 3
By Kay Kidder
Culture
The culture of the Schitsuumsh is directly tied to living in a landscape of mountains, rivers and lakes within and exterior to the Coeur dAlene Reservation boundary we know today. The Schitsuumsh landscape was created thousands of years ago or since time immemorial before the arrival of humans.1 The Schitsuumsh creation story is a legacy of traditional teachings left by the First Peoples and the Creator for the Human Peoples. The teachings are evident today as the Schitsuumsh culture remains to be a vibrant echo penetrating the heart, soul and spirit of the Coeur dAlene Tribe and its members as they preserve and protect the sustainability of a culture and landscape passed on to them.
In this section:
Beliefs and Values Rituals and Ceremonies Language Leadership and Gender Roles
23
Culture
Figure 3.1: Woman by teepee
The landscape is inhabited by a multitude of Peoples all of whom share in a common kinship. If kinship defines the structural relationship of the Peoples, the dynamic that helps bind them as members of the Schitsuumsh family is an ethic of sharing. While the gifts are to be shared freely with those in need, the gifts are also to be respected and not abused. To sustain and enhance the welfare of the Schitsuumsh family.
Rituals
Source: University of Washington Libraries, Digital Collection
Beliefs and Values

The Schitsuumsh belief system and values is based on the oral tradition of the teachings of a time before Human Peoples. Prior to humans, the Creator and the First Peoples known as the animals and birds were the first inhabitants. It is the First Peoples who created and transformed the landscape occupied today by the Coeur dAlene people. The original teachings of the First Peoples facilitate the belief and value systems of the Schitsuumsh today. Five fundamental teachings guide the actions and behaviors of the people and Tribe. They are:
The Schitsuumsh rituals and belief systems are interrelated with the landscape and directly associated with the traditional teachings. The practice of rituals is associated with the hunting of game or fish; gathering or the harvest of roots and berries; the rite of passage7 to phases of life (i.e. puberty, marriage,8 first kill, naming, going to or returning from war9); and the ethic of sharing.2
Figure 3.2: Fishing in the Native area
The landscape is spiritually created and endowed.

24
Rituals are practiced throughout the life of a Schitsuumsh individual, and the frequency is self-determined by the individual or the family for the maintenance of traditional customs and ways of Schitsuumsh life. Rituals include but not limited to:

Culture
the Kalispel to the North, the Pend Oreille to the Northeast, and the Flathead to the East.10
Figure 3.3: Example of language
Schitsuumsh: Aa! Qhest, slaqht English Translation: Hello! Welcome My Friend.

Source: The Lewis and Clark Rediscovery Project
Prayer Oral Traditions Songs Drum Dances Regalia Fast Family and Kinship
The rituals have a relationship with the landscape. Examples include: deer hide for the drum, bird feathers for regalia, storytelling of teachings, dancing to connect with the spirit world, and song for the water potato.
The Coeur dAlene Tribe administers a language program as a preservation tool of a language to be remembered by contemporary Schitsuumsh society based on the teachings of forefathers. The language is descriptive based on appearance, feel, relationship or purpose of an element within the landscape or of the traditional teachings. The Coeur dAlene maintains a website of the language.11 A digital collection of the language origin to the landscape utilizing members of the Coeur dAlene Tribe can be found with the University of Idaho, Lewis-Clark Discovery Project.12
Leadership and Gender Roles

Schitsuumsh leadership positions were held by chiefs of bands and families, who were interrelated sharing a landscape in common. The Schitsuumsh Tribe was generally comprised of three bands and families:
Language
The aboriginal languages of the Interior Pacific Northwest Indians are categorized as Saphaptain or Salish. The Schitsuumsh is of the Salish language family. The Salish language consists of dialects understood between and within Schitsuumsh families and bands in the Coeur dAlene region and neighboring Salish speaking peoples occupying aboriginal land areas adjacent to the Schitsiumsh, including the Spokane to the West,
Coeur dAlene Lake Band16 Villages of families13 The Coeur dAlene River Families11 Villages14 St. Joe River Families6 Villages15
25
Culture

to be a chief although respected for their wisdom and chief like qualities. Today both genders play significant roles in Schitsuumsh society and culture.
Figure 3.4: Coeur dAlene Reservation
Schitsuumsh leadership prior to the introduction of a formal governance structure in the mid Twentieth Century was flexible and non-rigid. Leaders had a primary responsibility and role to maintain the welfare of all members of the bands and villages. The leadership style and designation of position types are described as:

Egalitarian Typically achieved, not ascribed or inherited Band elected its own (male) chief and subchiefs
In respect to the leadership role of women, there were highly respected women whose opinions were valued.17 Women were not allowed
Frey, Rodney. Landscape Traveled by Coyote and Crane: The World of the Schitsuumsh (Coeur dAlene Indians). 2001. Seattle: University of Washington Press. 2 Fry, Rodney. Ibid. 7 Ibid 8 Ackerman, Lillian A. A Song to The Creator. 1996. Norman:University of Oklahoma Press 9 Ibid 10 Ibid 11 The Official Site of the Coeur dAlene Tribe, http://www.cdatribe.com/default.shtml 12 Lifelong Learning On-line. Lewis & Clark Rediscovery Project http://l3.ed.uidaho.edu/default2.asp 13 Frey, Rodney. Landscape Traveled by Coyote and Crane: The World of the Schitsu-umsh (Coeur dAlene Indians). 14 Ibid 16 Ibid 16 Ibid 17 Ackerman, Lillian A. A Necessary Balance: Gender and Power among Indians of the Columbia Plateau. 1996. Norman:University of Oklahoma Press.
Image on title page: Source: University of Washington Libraries, Digital Collection
26
Community
Section 4
By Hanna Persson
Community Life
This section addresses the various aspects of community life in the Coeur dAlene Reservation Community bioregion. It identifies the places where the community comes together, and also looks at areas of pride. There are many social activities and celebrations that are held within the bioregion each year. However, the communities also face challenges in certain areas. Therefore, improvement opportunities have been identified in which the community wishes to improve.
In this section:
Social Activities Gathering Places/Anchors Areas of Pride Improvement opportunities Community Networks
27
Community

Figure 4.1: Water Potatoes
Social Activities
There are many annual events and other social activities that take place in and around the Coeur dAlene Reservation communities. These are opportunities for community members celebrate long-standing traditions in the region and be reminded of the history and culture of the place they call home. Some of the major annual events are mentioned here, as well as the special community activities that have taken place in the past year (2007).
Source: http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/~rfrey/wp06.htm
Annual Julyamsh Powwow

The Julyamsh, hosted by the Coeur dAlene Tribe, is the largest outdoor powwow in the Northwest. The name Julyamsh is a combination of the English word for the seventh month and the Coeur dAlene word for gathering. The tradition began as a cross-cultural celebration between Native Americans and fur trappers in the Nineteenth Century. The powwow is an opportunity for the Coeur dAlene people to come together as a community and to demonstrate their traditions and culture.3 This annual event is always held the fourth week of July and features hundreds of drummers, horsemen, and dancers, as well as more than 200 booths selling traditional goods.
Annual Water Potato Day

This important event, and official Tribal holiday, is held each year in the third week of October. Adults and children gather to dig for water potato in the mud along the shorelines of the various water bodies in the bioregion. Students from local schools typically participate in this event which is led by Tribal elders. The day is often started by praying for good fortune, and permission to dig for the roots. A celebration and feast typically follow.1 The water potato is a round root with a brown skin, averaging in size between one and three inches. Roots are traditionally gathered to last families through the winter. Participants are also encouraged to give from their gathered water potatoes to elders and those in need. This is a traditional food of the Coeur dAlene people, and one of the many gifts of the landscape.2
Figure 4.2: Julyamsh Powwow
Source: http://www.visitidaho.org/assets/photos/hires/PowWow2.jpg
28
Family Involvement Activities
The Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) in Plummer often hosts activities that encourage family involvement. These activities include: French Toast with Fathers (Uncles, cousins, grandfathers, brothers, and friends are also welcome to attend this event) and Muffins for Moms (and all other women in the childrens lives).4
Community
she was transported into Heaven with her body and soul united.7
Other Annual Events

Coeur dAlene Tribal School: Antelope Run (May) Fun Run/Walk (August) Annual Tribal Pride Day (August) National American Indian Day (4th Friday in September)
Westside Rendezvous
This was a community days event held with the goal of involving and uniting all residents of the Coeur dAlene reservation communities. Activities included a kiddie carnival, family street dance, seniors breakfast, kiddie parade, fishing derby, parade and car show, picnic, youth basketball tournament, cultural activities and demonstrations (native/frontier village), an interdenominational community service, and a community potluck.5
Annual Halloween Parade at the Wellness Center Worley Fire Association Annual Easter Egg Hunt Annual Tribal Clean-Up Day (April) Annual Elder Dinner (September) Annual Tribal Employee Christmas Party Annual Christmas Crusade: The Coeur dAlene tribal police give bicycles and safety equipment to kids in need.
First Annual Pedalin for Public Health Bike Ride on the Trail of the Coeur dAlenes (August 25, 2007)
Annual Veterans Dinner

This event is held each year to honor local veterans. Dinner and entertainment is provided for veterans and their families. A stickgame tournament has also become a tradition during the Veterans Dinner weekend.6

Lake Celebration at Camp Larson (June 15, 2007) Warriors Society Welcome Home Veterans Dinner (May 19, 2007)
Figure 4.3: Plummer City Park
Annual Feast of Assumption

This traditional Catholic celebration is held yearly on August 15th at the Sacred Heart Mission in Cataldo. The Feast of Assumption is a celebration of the passage of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. According to Roman Catholic doctrine, upon the death of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus,
Source:
29
Community
Gathering Places/Anchors
DeSmet Community Building
The Coeur dAlene tribal school has been using this building for their after school program. However, this building is currently closed for repairs.21
Youth Center (In the Tribal Veterans Center, Worley)
Community Center (Plummer) Community Hall (Worley) Community Technology Center (Plummer) Benewah Medical Center and Tribal Wellness Center (Plummer)
Rose Creek Longhouse

The Rose Creek Longhouse, located in Worley, is a gathering place for community meetings and events. Church services and funerals are also commonly held here.
Areas of Pride
Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center (BMC/WC)
The BMC/WC has earned several awards including, the Portland Area Indian Health Services for Excellence in Immunization Practice (2003) and the Idaho Big Shot Award for achieving a 95% childhood immunization rate (2003). In 2000, the Center received the Honoring Nations award from The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development.23 The BMC/WC also received the Johnson & Johnson Community Health Care Program Leadership Crystal Award in 2007. This award is given to outstanding community health programs that are making positive contributions toward community health. BMC/WC is being recognized for quality comprehensive programs that serve both the Native and non-Native community, as well as providing a holistic client centered health care approach. The award included $50,000 toward supporting programs for cardiovascular disease and depression.24 It also serves as a model for successful medical centers nationwide.
Yap-Keehn-Um Beach
In July 2007 a rededication and commemoration ceremony was held at a beach on the campus of North Idaho College, at a site near the center of the Tribes aboriginal lands. This was also the location of a traditional Coeur dAlene winter encampment. The beach is located on the shores of Lake Coeur dAlene and stretches nearly a mile down the Spokane River. The beach lands have belonged to the college for the past thirty-five years, but have now been designated for the use of all, including the tribal members, the residents of Coeur dAlene, and visitors. The beach has been given the name Yap-Keehn-Um by the Coeur dAlene Tribe, meaning The Gathering Place.22
Assets to Enhance
The Horizons Coeur dAlene Reservation community study circles, part of a community development project, held in early 2007 identified opportunities that exist in the community. These opportunities include: the life skills of elders, the Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center, City Link transportation, the natural environment, local artists and storytellers, as well as people who are willing to get involved, and people working to diversify the economy.
Other Gathering Places
Tribal Veterans Center (Worley)
30
Community
Improvement Opportunities
This information is based on community discussions that took place during the Horizons Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Study Circles (January-April 2007) as well as the Horizons Visioning Rally (September 2007). These were a series of community discussion events aimed at understanding local issues of poverty, identifying major challenges facing the community, as well as developing a positive vision for the future. Horizons Study Circle discussions identified the following community challenges: isolation and lack of neighborliness, lack of motivation, individual willingness to accept responsibility and respond to signs of problems, breakdown of nuclear families, and creating a greater sense of community. Some of the key concerns identified during the Horizons Visioning Rally include: lack of support for education, lack of investment in the future of the community, and lack of community pride, and non-inclusive environment. The lack of connection between the Coeur dAlene Reservation communities (Worley, Plummer, Tensed, and DeSmet) was also identified as a major community issue. Certain issues identified are related to poverty in the community such as divisions within the community and difficult relationships between groups, lack of relationships between people, and lack of future for the children in the
community. Two other major issues that were brought up include; youth issues and difficulties related to the tribal and local governments ability to work together.25
Community Networks
Horizons: Community Leadership to Reduce Poverty/University of Idaho Extension
The Horizons program is a community leadership program that is working in cooperation with University of Idaho Extension to reduce poverty in various Idaho communities. One of those Horizons communities is the Coeur dAlene Reservation community, consisting of the towns of Plummer, Worley, Tensed, and DeSmet. The communities are in the process of determining the most important goals for change in their communities and have created a future vision for the Coeur dAlene Reservation. Community coaches have been trained in each Horizons community to lead the process in that location. The population of Horizons communities range from 226 to 4900 residents, with poverty rates ranging from 11% to 26%. The program focuses on building strong community leadership and involving all members of the community in the process. The Idaho Horizons Program website can be accessed at http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/horizons/.
Figure 4.3: Horizons Program Phases
Source: http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/horizons
31
Community

NWAF is committed to projects that are based on community-based poverty reduction. The foundation bases its work on four poverty reduction outcomes: increased asset identification and development, expanded economic opportunities, increased community capacity to reduce poverty, and increased community use of inclusive decision making. The Northwest Area Foundation is available at http://www.nwaf.org.
Northwest Area Foundation

The Horizons program is funded through the Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF) which has established a blog website for each Horizons community as a way to provide the communities with information about upcoming events and other happenings in the community. The Coeur dAlene Reservation communitys blog can be accessed at
http://coeurdalene.communityblogs.us.
1 2
Frey, Rodney. Landscape Traveled by Coyote and Crane. Seattle: University of Washington Press, 2001. Ibid 3 Madkour, Rasha. 2005. Julyamsh Powwow a Celebration of Tradition. Spokesman Review. http://www.spokesmanreview.com/Idaho/story.asp?ID=81617&mail=yes (accessed November 15, 2007). 4 Education News. Activities Held to encourage family involvement at ECLC. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, October 2007. 5 Community Announcements. Many Cultures, One Day. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, June 2007. 6 DeGraffenreid, Jennifer L. Coeur dAlene Tribe honors Veterans with annual dinner and stickgame. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, November 2007. 7 Gentry, Lorraina. Hundreds attend Coeur dAlene Tribes annual Feast of Assumption at Cataldo. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, August 2007. 8 Coeur dAlene Tribal School Official Website. 2007. Antelope Run. http://www.tribalschool.org/Pages/Page%206.html (accessed November 15, 2007). 9 Calendar of Events, Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, January-November 2007. 10 Ibid 11 Ibid 12 Ibid 13 Bell, Emily. Worley Fire Holds Annual Egg Hunt. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, April 2007. 14 Calendar of Events, Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, January-November 2007. 15 Ibid 16 Ibid 17 DeGraffenreid, Jennifer L. Coeur dAlene Tribal Police Department donates time and money to help area families. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, December 2007. 18 Panhandle Public Health Foundation. 2007. Pedalin for Public Health. http://www.pphf.net/pphf_sponsor-letter-2.pdf (accessed November 15, 2007). 19 Calendar of Events, Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, January-November 2007. 20 Ibid. 21 Sobotta, Bob. Community Announcements. DeSmet FACE Building Closed. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, August 2007. 22 McNeel, Jack. 2007. Coeur dAlene Historic Beach Rededicated. Indian Country Today. http://www.indiancountry.com/ (accessed November 30, 2007). 23 The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development. 2004. Honoring Nations: 2000 Honoree, John F. Kennedy School of Government: Harvard University, http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/hpaied/hn/hn_2000_well.htm 24 Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center. 2007. Latest News. http://bmcwc.com/latestnews.asp 25 Coeur dAlene Reservation. Horizons Visioning Rally Outcomes. September 13, 2007. Idaho Horizons Community Profile, Coeur dAlene Reservation. Headwaters Economics, Benewah County Profile *Image on title page: Horizons Program, http://extension.ag.uidaho.edu/horizons
32
Political
Section 5
By Laura Loumatia
Legal & Political
The Coeur dAlene Reservation lies within the Panhandle of Northern Idaho, in Kootenai and Benewah Counties. There are four communities on the western side of the Reservation: Worley, which is in Kootenai County, and Plummer, Tensed, and DeSmet, which are in Benewah County. Due to the complexities of Federal Indian policy, governance on the Coeur dAlene Reservation is shared by the Coeur dAlene Tribe with the local governmental entities. The Tribe is federally recognized, and communications with federal agencies is on a nation-to-nation basis. Coeur dAlene Tribal members who live on the Reservation are both members of the Coeur dAlene Tribe and citizens of Idaho and the counties in which they reside. However, due to their special status as members of a federally recognized tribe, they are not required to pay state taxes on income earned on the Reservation, nor are they required to pay property taxes on land in trust status. They do have full voting rights as citizens of the United States
In this section:
City County Tribal Land Ownership and Jurisdictional Issues
33
Political City

that is governed by the Coeur dAlene Tribal Council. There is no other formal form of community governance, although there is an active informal neighborhood improvement group that advocates for issues to Tribal departments.
Figure 5.1: Tensed, Idaho
Plummer, Worley, and Tensed were platted during the allotment of the Reservation, and were incorporated under the State of Idaho in the year 1910. Each city is governed by an elected city council and mayor.
City of Plummer:

Population 990 Tim Clark, Mayor Jannette Taylor Terry Allen Tim Stockdale Rich Rios
Source: McCroskey Regional Historical and Geneological Society
City of Worley:

County
Kootenai County
Established December 22, 1864 by the Second Territorial Legislature with Seneaquoteen, a trading post below Lake Pend Oreille, as the county seat. Rathdrum replaced Seneaquoteen as county seat in 1881 and Coeur d'Alene replaced Rathdrum in 1908. Named for the Kutenai Indians who inhabited the area when the white man arrived. The word "Kootenai" is derived from the Kutenai word meaning "water people."

Population: 223 Charlene Waddell, Mayor Rich Wienclaw Rob Wienclaw Karen Babbitt
City of Tensed:

Population 126 Faith Harvey, Mayor Betty Bennett Debbie Hodgson Rodney Kuntz Marjorie Payne1
County Seat: Coeur d'Alene Land Area: 1,310 square miles County Clerk: PO Box 9000, 501 Government Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816-9000 Phone: (208) 7694441 Fax: (208) 667-8534
County Commissioners: Rich Piazza (elected 2006) Todd Tondee (elected 2006) Rick Currie (elected
DeSmetis a small unincorporated town of approximately 130 residents

34
2004)
Figure 5.2: Kootenai County
Political
McCall (re-elected 2006) Terry Doupe (elected 2004)
Figure 5.3: Benewah County
Source: www.kootenaicounty.gov Source: http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/counties/benewah/benewah.htm
Benewah County
Benewah was formally organized on January 23, 1915 by an act of the state legislature. It was originally part of Kootenai County. The county was named after Chief Benewah. Settlement by Euro-Americans took place primarily after the discovery of gold in the area in 1880, and increased with the opening of the Coeur dAlene Indian Reservation to white settlement in 1909.2

Tribal
The Coeur dAlene Tribe is governed by a 7-member council, elected by the general membership. Elections take place in May of each year, and members are elected on a staggered schedule for a three-year term. The chairperson, vice-chairperson, and secretary/treasurer are selected by the elected council each year following general elections. The chairperson is the only full-time paid position.
Figure 5.4: Coeur dAlene Tribal Council, 2007
County Seat: St. Maries Land Area: 787 square miles. County Clerk: County Courthouse St Maries, ID 83861-1886 Phone: (208) 245-3212 Fax: (208) 2453046
Source: Coeur dAlene Tribe
County Commissioners: Jack Buell (re-elected 2006) Bud

Political

Reservations. In all, only 104,000 acres of the 345,000 acre reservation were allotted to 638 members. Land was initially given in trust status, meaning that the Federal government held title on the land in trust for the allotment owners. After a 25-year period, the land title was to be converted to fee simple status after the tribal member proved his or her competency to hold title. This conversion from trust to fee was sped up by the 1909 Burke Amendment. The conversion of land status resulted in the loss of over 60% of the lands on the Reservation from tribal ownership over the next 20 years, often due to seizure for back taxes that were now being assessed.4
2007 Tribal Council:
Chief Allan, Chairman (elected 2006)
Ernie Stensgar, ViceChairman (elected 2005) Norma Jean Jeannie Louie, Secretary/Treasurer (elected 2006)
Leta Campbell (elected 2005) Valerie Fasthorse (elected 2006)

Figure 5.5: The Coeur dAlene Tribal Flag
Charlotte Nilson (elected 2007)
Dave Matheson (elected 2007)3
Land Ownership and Jurisdictional Issues

Governance on the Coeur dAlene Reservation is sometimes confounded by the complexity of jurisdictional issues related to land tenure. The Coeur dAlene Reservation was created by a series of Executive Orders, with the final 1894 cession of the town of Harrison resulted in the external boundaries that exist today. In 1906, the Coeur dAlene Reservation, like many in the Northwest, was allotted under the terms of the Dawes Act of 1887, which was intended to change the land ownership on Indian
Figure 4 Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/coeur-d-alene-tribe-1
The Allotment Act was ended in 1934 with the Indian Reorganization Act, also known as the Wheeler-Howard Act, but today, less than 25% of land on the Reservation is in trust status. The resulting patterns of land ownership have created a checkerboarded reservation, where land status directly affects the ability of the tribal and local governments to affect their jurisdictional power. Figure 5.6 shows examples of this checkerboarding. The mix of land in trust and fee creates overlaps in Tribal and local governance. Further, tribes are legally limited in their ability to enforce civil and criminal laws, as well as their
36
Source: Imre Sutton, Indian Land Tenure, 1975
ability to generate revenue because of the unique legal status of trust lands.
Figure 5.6: Example of checkerboard land ownership
Political
More information on the legal issues concerning reservation land status can be found at the Indian Land Tenure Foundations website, http://www.indianlandtenure.org.
Source: Sutton, Imre. Indian Land Tenure, 1975
37
Political
1 2
Personal Conversation, Donna Spier, City Clerk, City of Plummer Idaho.gov. 2006. Benewah County. Retrieved May, 2008 from: http://www.state.id.us/aboutidaho/county/benewah.html 3 Coeur dAlene Tribe. 2006. Retrieved May, 2008 from: http://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov 4 Cotroneo, R. & J. Dozier. 1974. A time of disintegration: The Coeur d'Alene and the Dawes Act. The Western Historical Quarterly 5(4) 405-419.
38
Housing
Section 6
By Hanna Persson
Housing
This section addresses housing conditions and affordability in the Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregion. High housing costs in the region have created a deficit in the availability of quality affordable housing. Differences in housing conditions in the three towns of Plummer, Worley, and Tensed are addressed. This data is also compared to data on housing conditions found in Benewah County as a whole, as well as the state of Idaho. The town of DeSmet is not included due to lack of available data. Information is also provided on the current housing stock in Plummer, Worley, and Tensed. The detached single family home is the dominant housing type in all of the locations compared. Tribal member housing on the Coeur dAlene Reservation is the responsibility of the Coeur dAlene Tribal Housing Authority which is working to improve access to quality affordable housing to Tribal members.
In this section:
Housing Properties and Affordability Housing Stock Tribal Housing
39
Housing

Reservation, and Idaho. The majority of housing found in the bioregion are single-family homes, most of which are owner-occupied. Median house values are significantly lower in the bioregion than compared to the state average. However, due to lower household incomes many residents are experiencing housing stress. When families spend more than thirty percent (30%) of their household income on housing costs they are considered to be experiencing housing stress and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, and medical care. This is also defined as the threshold of affordability; when housing costs exceed thirty percent (30%) of income it is no longer considered affordable. This definition usually excludes people with high income.2 Table 6.1 shows indicators of potential housing stress among approximately thirty percent (30%) of residents who are renting their home in Plummer, Worley, and Tensed. Home-owners in all three towns, as well as in Benewah County and the state of Idaho spend less money on housing costs than renters.
Housing Properties and Affordability

An important aspect of creating sustainable communities is to make affordable housing, and an affordable lifestyle, accessible to all. Quality affordable housing is a challenge faced in this bioregion, where significant poverty rates often stand in the way of acquiring a suitable home. Poor housing conditions can also influence a familys physical health and overall wellbeing, as well as the general conditions of the neighborhood. Table 6.1 compares housing units in Plummer, Worley, Tensed, Benewah County, The Coeur dAlene
Table 6.1: Comparison of Housing Units

Housing Average household size Total housing units Owner-occupied (percent) Renter-occupied (percent) Vacant (percent) Households spending more than 30% of their income on housing costs (percent) Renter-occupied Owner-occupied Median house value (dollars) Median monthly rent (dollars) Plummer 2.95 380 67.3 32.7 11.6 Plummer 30.5 26 75,700 379 Worley 2.75 95 60.5 39.5 14.7 Worley 33.3 15.6 70,000 425 Tensed 2.17 65 63.8 36.2 10.8 Tensed 42.3 0 89,200 292 Benewah County 2.52 4,238 78.5 21.5 15.5 Benewah County 23 19.5 89,000 380 Coeur d'Alene Reservation 2.62 2118 77.9 22.1 20.0 Coeur d'Alene Reservation 22.1 17.3 x x Idaho 2.69 527,824 72.4 27.6 11.0 Idaho 35.6 20.4 106,300 515
Sources: 2000 U.S. Census Idaho Horizons Community Profile, Coeur d'Alene Reservation Idaho Works. Idaho Community Profiles. (Benewah County, Plummer, Tensed
40
Housing
Housing Stock
Information on housing stock by location within the bioregion is shown in Graph 6.1, Tables 6.2 (Plummer), 6.3 (Tensed), and 6.4 (Worley). The highest total number of housing units are in Plummer. The predominant housing type in all
three locations is the 1-unit, detached home, ranging between 40-64% of total housing units. The second most common housing type is the mobile home, making up 3040% of total housing units in each location. For each of the three towns the most common year of construction for housing structures lies between 1970 and 1989. However, Worley also has a large portion of homes (20%), which were built before 1939.
Graph 6.1: Housing Units over Time

Number of Units Plummer Number of Units Worley Number of Units Tensed
120 100 80 60 40 20 0 1999 to 1995 to 1990 to 1980 to March 2000 1998 1994 1989 1970 to 1960 to 1940 to 1939 or 1979 1969 1959 earlier
Source: 2000 US Census
Table 6.2 Plummer Housing Stock

Plummer Total Housing Units Housing Types 1-unit, detached 1-unit, attached 2 units 3 or 4 units 5 to 9 units 10 to 19 units 20 or more units Mobile home Boat, RV, van, etc. Median Rooms
Table 6.3: Tensed Housing Stock

Percent 100 64 2.1 1.6 0.5 0 2.6 0 29.1 0 x Tensed Total Housing Units Housing Types 1-unit, detached 1-unit, attached 2 units 3 or 4 units 5 to 9 units 10 to 19 units 20 or more units Mobile home Boat, RV, van, etc. Median Rooms
Number 381 244 8 6 2 0 10 0 111 0 5.4
Number 67 27 0 0 8 0 0 0 28 4 5.1
Percent 100 40.3 0 0 11.9 0 0 0 41.8 6 x
41
Housing

The Tribal Housing Authority used these funds for maintenance and operation of the current housing stock, as well as housing rehabilitation and construction of new housing. In addition, a portion of the funds will be used to expand housing and credit education for tribal members. According to HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson, the funding is intended to help tribal communities provide safe, decent, affordable housing to tribal members.2 Theses funds are a part of the HUD Indian Housing Block Grant Program, established in 1996, and is under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act (NAHASDA) of the same year. Through the establishment of NAHASDA the system of Native American housing assistance from HUD was reorganized. The block grant program replaced several separate assistance programs. Those eligible for this grant are federally recognized Native American tribes or their tribally designated housing entities, as well as some state recognized tribes. The mission of the HUD is to provide affordable housing opportunities to low-income Americans, increase homeownership particularly among minorities, as well as supporting the homeless, elderly people with disabilities, and those living with AIDS. HUD also enforces U.S. fair housing laws and promotes economic and community development.2
Table 6.4: Worley Housing Stock

Worley Total Housing Units Housing Types 1-unit, detached 1-unit, attached 2 units 3 or 4 units 5 to 9 units 10 to 19 units 20 or more units Mobile home Boar, RV, van, etc. Median Rooms
Number 124 75 0 0 0 0 0 0 49 0 4.5
Percent 100 60.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 39.5 0 x
Tribal Housing
Tribal housing is overseen by the Coeur dAlene Tribal Housing Authority (CDTHA). In 2006, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the Coeur dAlene Tribal Housing Authority $1, 064, 130 in grants to improve housing conditions on the Coeur dAlene Reservation.2
Homes & Communities. 2007. Affordable Housing. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/affordablehousing/ (accessed November 30, 2007). 2 Homes & Communities. 2007. News Release: HUD Awards the Coeur dAlene Tribal Housing Authority over $1 Million to Improve Housing Conditions for Native Americans. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. http://www.hud.gov/local/id/news/pr2006-03-28a.cfm (accessed November 30, 2007). Idaho Horizons Community Profile, Coeur d'Alene Reservation Idaho Works. Idaho Community Profiles. (Benewah County, Plummer, Tensed) U.S. Census Bureau. 2000. American Factfinder. http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en
42
Health
Section 7
By Hanna Persson
Health & Medical
This section reviews current regional medical facilities and health care programs available to community members residing within the Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregion. These include the Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center (BMC/WC) which has received numerous awards for the quality of medical services provided. The Center is also nationally recognized for providing quality comprehensive programs that serve both the Native and non-Native community. Other medical and wellness programs available in the community include the Family Healing Center and Food Distribution Center.
In this section:
Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center Family Healing Center Food Distribution Program
43
Health

dAlene Tribal Wellness Center was formed.2 The Benewah Medical Center was created in 1990 through cooperation between the Coeur dAlene Tribe and the City of Plummer. Together they were able to obtain funding from state and federal governments and gain federal classification as a Medically Underserved Population Area, which provides additional cost reimbursement for the Center. This allows the BMC to bill non-Native clients on a sliding fee scale, which is a service that approximately one-third of non-Native clients in Benewah County qualify for. The BMC quickly outgrew their space and in 1994 the 6,750 square foot building was expanded to 17,000 square feet. The Wellness Center, opened in 1998, complements the medical services provided by Benewah Medical Center through a whole-life approach to health and a focus on preventative care. This $5 million, 43,000 square foot project was built entirely through various funds and BMC equity. The Wellness Center now serves 2,500 users and includes an Olympic size swimming pool.3 The BMC/WC has earned several awards including, the Portland Area Indian Health Services for Excellence in Immunization Practice (2003) and the Idaho Big Shot Award for achieving a ninety-five percent childhood immunization rate (2003). In 2000, the Center received the Honoring Nations award from The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development.4 The BMC/WC also received the Johnson & Johnson Community Health Care Program Leadership Crystal Award in 2007. This award is given to outstanding community health programs that are making positive contributions toward community health. BMC/WC is being recognized for quality comprehensive programs that serve both the Native and non-Native community, as well as providing a holistic client centered health care approach. The award included $50,000 toward supporting programs for cardiovascular disease and depression.5 Services provided by the Center include: medical, nursing, dental, counseling, contract health, pharmacy, radiology, physical therapy, and lab services. Contract health is a payer of medical expenses for Native American patients as a last resort when patients need to be referred to an outside medical provider. The BMC also offers self-reliance services that include food stamps and various assistance
Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center

The mission of the Benewah Medical and Coeur d'Alene Tribal Wellness Center (BMC/WC) is to provide primary care, holistic healing, preventive care, and wellness promotion to all members of the community. The vision of the BMC/WC is to be recognized as the center of excellence providing quality, comprehensive and integrated health and wellness services in the region.1 The Center was created as a response to the need to improve health care services for the Coeur dAlene Reservation communities. In 1987, the Tribe began looking for ways to improve the services provided by the small Indian Health Service (IHS) clinic located in a semi-condemned building at Tribal Headquarters. Both the Tribal and non-Tribal community in this region had poor access to affordable health care. Tribal members were often turned over to collection agencies due to non-payment of medical bills by the IHS. Other health care services were located at a driving distance of 45 minutes to two hours, providing difficult access, particularly in the winter months. Affordable health care on a sliding fee basis was not provided by health care centers in any of the regions four surrounding counties. This spurred the creation of a new health care system and the Benewah Medical Center and Coeur
44
programs. The Temporary Assistance to Families in Idaho (TAFI) program offers assistance to obtain employment and achieve selfreliance. Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) provides child care assistance to families based on their income. Cash assistance is also provided to those in need through the Aid to Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program. The Wellness Center also offers several classes and programs including yoga, conditioning, dance classes, adult sports, fitness assessments, personal training, and aquatic programs.6
Health
Services provided by the Family Health Center include:

Information/Referral, DUI Evaluations Home/jail visits Talking circles Screening and assessment evaluations Individual, group, and family counseling Alcohol/drug information Crisis intervention/outreach Inpatient evaluation/referral Referral to sweat lodges Intensive outpatient program9
Family Healing Center

The Family Healing Center is a holistic outpatient program that is part of the Coeur dAlene Tribes social services program. The center provides assistance to individuals suffering from drug and alcohol problems as well as support for their families. The center serves members of the Coeur dAlene Tribe and individuals living on the Coeur dAlene Reservation who are members of other tribes.8
Food Distribution Program

The food distribution program is an alternative to the food stamp program that aims to promote general welfare, and to protect the health and wellbeing of the community by raising nutrition levels among low-income households living on or near the Coeur dAlene Reservation. This is a federally funded program that provides commodity foods and nutrition education. The Coeur dAlene Tribe provides a twenty-five percent match of federal funds. In all, 246 households are certified in the program and receive monthly supplies of canned goods, fresh fruits, frozen meats, and flour products.10 Emergency food assistance is also provided on a limited basis via referrals from the Tribal Social Services Department. The program is hoping to develop into a complete food bank program that is replenished through donations and produce provided by a community garden.11
45
Health
Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center. 2007. Official Website. http://www.bmcwc.com/ (accessed November 30, 2007). 2 Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center. 2007. The Past. http://www.bmcwc.com/thepast.asp (accessed November 30, 2007). 3 The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development. 2004. Honoring Nations: 2000 Honoree. John F. Kennedy School of Government: Harvard University, http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/hpaied/hn/hn_2000_well.htm (accessed September 17, 2007). 4 Ibid 5 Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center. 2007. Latest News. http://www.bmcwc.com/latestnews.asp (accessed November 30, 2007). 6 Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center. 2007. Nursing. http://www.bmcwc.com/nursing.asp (accessed November 30, 2007). 7 Benewah Medical Center and Coeur dAlene Tribal Wellness Center. 2007. Wellness Center. http://www.bmcwc.com/wellness.asp (accessed November 30, 2007). 8 The Official Website of the Coeur dAlene Tribe. 2007. Family Healing Center. http://www.cdatribe.com/fhc.shtml (accessed September 15, 2007). 9 Ibid 10 The Official Website of the Coeur dAlene Tribe. 2007. Food Distribution. http://www.cdatribe.com/food.shtml (accessed September 15, 2007). 11 Ibid
46
Demographics
Section 8
By Hanna Persson
Demographics
The number and distribution of people living within the Coeur dAlene Reservation Community bioregion are discussed in this section. Specifically, the communities of Plummer, Worley, and Tensed are compared to demographic information for Benewah County and the state of Idaho as a whole. A discussion of the demographic trends of the community of DeSmet has been omitted here, due to a lack of available data on this location. Although there are some population differences between each town, the communities show an overall increase in population over the past 40 years. The Coeur dAlene Reservation bioregion communities, as a whole, show a slightly higher percentage of male population than female. The age distribution of these communities is similar to that of the State of Idaho. The racial distribution is predominantly white, follow by American Indian.
In this section:
Population Changes Gender Distributions Age Distributions Racial Distributions
47
Demographics

extents. As shown in Table 8.1, the greatest population increase between 1990 and 2000 occurred in Tensed. However, this town has the smallest population of the communities in the bioregion and has shown fluctuations in population over the past 40 years, resulting in an overall decrease in population between 1970 and 2004. The greatest overall increase in population has been in the town of Plummer, which has more than doubled its population since 1970. In 1990, the population of Plummer was approximately 800 people. This is the same level of population as the town had two years after its establishment in 1910. The population of Benewah County grew by 2,758 people between 1970 and 2004; this constitutes a 44% population increase at a rate of 1.1% per year.1 The county population growth over this period has been slower than overall population growth in the state of Idaho but approximately equal to the overall population trends of the United States.2
Population Change
The human population of the Coeur dAlene Reservation bioregion has fluctuated over time in accordance with changing economic and social conditions. During the course of almost a century, beginning in the mid 1770s, the Native American population in the region has been reduced from approximately 5,000 people to only 500. This was due to a series of smallpox epidemics that ravaged the area. A period of increased population growth in the bioregion began in the early Twentieth Century as new groups moved to the area. Over the past three decades, the communities of the Coeur dAlene reservation have all grown in population to various
Table 8.1: Population Growth Since 1970

Total population 1970 1980 1990 2000 2002 2004 2006 Percent positive change - 19902000 Plummer 443 634 804 990 x 962 x 23.1 Worley x x 182 223 x x x 22.5 Tensed 151 113 90 126 x 121 x 40 Benewah County x 8,292 7,937 9,171 8,993 x x 15.5 Coeur d'Alene Reservation x x x 1,452 x x x 20 Idaho x 944,127 1,006,734 1,293,953 x x 1,446,465 28.5 United States x x 248,709,873 281,421,906 x x 299,398,485 13.2
Sources: 2000 U.S. Census Idaho Horizons Communtiy Profile, Coeur d'Alene Reservation Idaho Works. Idaho Community Profiles. (Benewah County, Plummer, Tensed)
48
Demographics
Gender Distributions
Graph 8.1 shows the differences in gender distributions between the Coeur dAlene Reservation communities, Benewah County, and the state of Idaho. The chart shows that the towns of Plummer and Worley have a slightly higher
percentage of females than males. However, there is an overall higher percentage of males than females in the Coeur dAlene Reservation population as well as the population of Benewah County, compared to the overall distribution for the state of Idaho. This unevenness in gender distribution can be attributed to the relatively small population sizes seen on the Coeur dAlene Reservation and in Benewah County, compared to the state of Idaho as a whole.
Graph 8.1: Gender Distributions by Location

53 52 51 50 % 49 48 47 46 45 Plummer Worley Tensed Benewah County Location Coeur d'Alene Reservation Idaho Female Male
Sources: 2000 U.S. Census Idaho Horizons Communtiy Profile, Coeur d'Alene Reservation
Age Distributions
As can be seen in Graph 8.2, the age distribution of the individual communities, and the reservation communities as a whole, is relatively young. The majority of the population consists of working age adults between 18 and 65. The chart shows an age distribution that is comparable to the overall distributions for the state of Idaho.
However, the quiet, rural setting and attractive scenery, as well as the state-of-the-art Benewah Medical Center located in Plummer, is attracting an increasing number of retirees to the area. According to the Headwaters Economics Socioeconomic Profile for Benewah County, the median age in the county has shown an overall increase since 1990.3 The region also looses a portion of young people who move away for education or employment. In order to attract the young population back to the area, sufficient local employment opportunities are needed.
49
Demographics

Graph 8.2: Age Distributions by Location
90 80 70 60 % 50 40 30 20 10 0 Plummer Worley Tensed Benewah County Coeur d'Alene Reservation Idaho under 18 Over 18 65 and over
Location
Sources: 2000 U.S. Census Idaho Horizons Community Profile, Coeur d'Alene Reservation
Racial Distributions
Graph 8.3 shows that the racial distribution of the Coeur dAlene Reservation is predominantly white, followed by American Indian. All other races represent only a small portion of the population. As seen in the graph, the percentage of
American Indian population in the Coeur dAlene Reservation communities is close to thirty percent higher than the percentage distribution for Benewah County (see Chart 8.4), and close to forty percent higher than the overall percentage for the state of Idaho (see Chart 8.5). This is a highly rural region which may account for the low variety of other ethnic groups represented in the area. Rural areas typically have fewer people belonging to underrepresented ethnic groups since there are less community support networks available for these groups than in a larger city.
Graph 8.3: Race Distribution of the Coeur dAlene Reservation Community

Coeur d'Alene Reservation
39.1 0.6
0.1 0.7 2.7 56.8
White alone Asian/Pacific Islander (0.1%)
Black alone (0.6%) Other (0.7%)
American Indian/Alaska native Two or more races
50
Demographics
Graph 8.4: Race Distribution of Benewah County

Benewah County
0.1 8.9 0.3 88.7 0.3 1.8
White alone Asian/Pacific Islander (0.3%)
Black alone (0.1%) Other (0.3%)
Graph 8.5: Race Distribution of the State of Idaho

Idaho
0.4 1.4 91.0 1.0 4.2 2.0
White alone Asian/Pacific Islander
Black alone (0.4%) Other
51
Demographics
Headwaters Economics. 2007. A Socioeconomic Profile: Benewah County, Idaho. Economic Profile System (EPS). http://www.headwaterseconomics.org. 2 Ibid 3 Ibid Idaho Horizons Community Profile. Coeur dAlene Reservation. Idaho Works. Idaho Community Profiles. (Benewah County, Plummer, Tensed). U.S. Census Bureau. 2000. American Factfinder. http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en
52
Education
Section 9
By Hanna Persson
Education
The Coeur dAlene Reservation communities face many challenges with public education, but are making continual efforts toward providing quality education and positive educational programs for the regions youth. This section discusses issues regarding school enrollment and educational attainment in each community, comparing this to data to the State of Idaho. Public elementary, middle, and high schools are found within the Plummer-Worley School District. The Coeur dAlene Tribal School, located in DeSmet, includes grades K-8. Several youth- and after school- programs are available for various age groups within these communities. The programs have been created as an effort to improve academic achievement, as well as provide safe, positive places for local young people. This section also looks at available institutions of higher education in the region.
In this section:
School Enrollment Education and Youth No Child Left Behind Act Washington State University Collaboration Youth Programs 21st Century Community Learning Centers Middle/High School Programs Native Voices Young Playwrights Other Programs Regional Institutions of Higher Education
53
Education

of Idaho. However, the number of individuals with a bachelors degree is lower than the state average.
School Enrollment
Students in Plummer and Worley are served by the joined PlummerWorley School District, which includes three schools. Elementary school children attend Lakeside Elementary School located in Worley. Lakeside Middle School and Lakeside High School are located in Plummer. Children are transported by bus between the two towns to the appropriate school. The Coeur dAlene Tribal School is located in DeSmet and includes grades K-8. The communities are also served by an Early Childhood Learning Center which is located in Plummer. Table 9.1 shows school enrollment numbers for the towns of Plummer, Worley, and Tensed at each educational level. Table 9.2 and Table 9.1 show levels of educational attainment by location in the Coeur dAlene Reservation bioregion communities. The data shows that the total number of high school graduates in the Coeur dAlene Reservation communities is comparable to the total for the state
Education and Youth

No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)
The Plummer/Worley School District, like all others in the nation, must to meet the requirements of the NCLB Act. This requires all children to be proficient in English, math, and science by 2014, and requires schools to make adequate yearly progress. Schools must meet annual benchmarks in every demographic and those that do not are subject to sanctions. Some believe that the schools which do not meet these goals may deter qualified teachers. Although there are claims of recent improvement in the Plummer/Worley School District, through higher test scores and increased graduation rates, schools still did not meet state standards in 2006.1 The Plummer/Worley School District has a large proportion of Native American students. Academic studies have shown that Native American children do best in academic programs that are based on their traditions, language, and culture. Although the NCLB Act allows for this, the resources to make this happen are limited. In 2006, the Plummer/Worley School District had no tribally affiliated teachers, although two claimed Native ancestry. Also, the state of Idaho does not require diversity training for teachers.
Table 9.1: School Enrollment for Coeur dAlene Reservation Communities

Plummer Number Percent School Enrollment (Population over 3 years of age) Nursery School/preschool Kindergarten Elementary school (grades 1-8) High School (grades 9-12) College or graduate school
Source: 2000 U.S Census
Worley Number Percent 49 2 0 25 14 8 100 4.1 0 51 28.6 16.3
Tensed Number Percent 12 0 0 11 1 N/A 100 0 0 91.7 8.3 N/A
288 16 20 151 58 43
100 5.6 6.9 52.4 20.1 14.9
54
At this point, funding for an American Indian education coordinator at the state level has been declined by Idaho lawmakers. Proponents believe that such funding could help to improve issues regarding curriculum, high school dropout rates, and complexities relating to the No Child Left Behind Act among Native American students. Those opposed feel that the education of Native students is the responsibility of local school districts such as that of Plummer/Worley.
Education
presentation in the curriculum. The partnership with WSU also involves and after school tutoring program that is held at the Coeur dAlene Tribes technology center in Plummer.5 The programs involved in the collaboration have been developed based on the educational priorities established by the Tribe and include the following projects in all: curriculum planning and development, cybertutoring, developmental assets assessment, leadership development camp, teachers as mentors training, and a scholarship program.18
Figure 9.1: Early Childhood Learning Center
Washington State University Collaboration

Native Americans made up 64 percent of students in Plummer and Worley in 2006. Local teachers and administrators face the challenge of determining how to provide equal educational opportunities for all students.4 In an effort to improve the public school experience for Native students on the Coeur dAlene Reservation, the Coeur dAlene Tribe created a five-year initiative with the College of Education at Washington State University (WSU). The College conducted a needs assessment, which was published in February 2006 and included interviews with adult members of the Coeur dAlene Tribe concerning recollections of their school experiences. Nearly half of participants said they either left school or were forced out, and thirtyeight percent had experienced stigmatization of Native students by teachers. One third also claimed that Native Americans had a stereotypical
Source: http://www.cdatribe.org/img/eclc.jpg
Youth Programs
21st Century Community Learning Centers
The Success Center at Lakeside Elementary School in Worley is an after school program geared toward children of working parents. The program has been operating since 2003 and provides a safe place after school for 50 children. This is a collaboration between the Plummer/Worley School District, 4-H, University of Idaho Extension, and the Coeur dAlene Tribe. The program receives funding through the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. The program runs Monday through Thursday, 2:45pm to5:00pm and provides students with tutoring and homework assistance.6 Students participating in the program have significantly improved their test scores. However, travel distance for some students from home to school makes participation in the program difficult as this may result in up to a 12-hour school day.7 The 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) aims to provide students with opportunities for academic
Education

have also reported reduced vandalism and juvenile crime since a 21st CCLC program was started in the community. The peak hours for juvenile crime and experimenting with drugs and alcohol often tend to be between the hours of 3pm and 6pm, as this is a time that many young people with working parents are unsupervised. After school programs can provide a safe place for many children during this time.10 The Coeur dAlene Tribal School also hosts an after school program funded through the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. This program runs Monday through Thursday afternoons, for children in Kindergarten through eighth grade. The 21st CCLC at the Coeur dAlene Tribal School involves elements such as reading, writing, research, math, and homework help, along with cultural activities such as learning songs in the Coeur dAlene language and community service opportunities. In cooperation with the 21st CCLC at the Coeur dAlene Tribal school is the Homework Club, which also offers students assistance with homework assignments.11
enrichment through activities that complement the students regular academic program. This is the only U.S. federal funding source dedicated exclusively to after school programs. Funds are provided to each state according to its share of Title I funding for low-income students, as well as to outlying areas and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The program was originally designed as a community learning center model where all members of the community benefited from after school access to school resources, but the focus was narrowed by the No Child Left Behind Act to an after school program catering to students attending high-poverty, lowperforming schools.8 The program helps students meet state and local standards in core academic subjects, provides various enrichment activities, and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of children participating in the program. The 21st CCLC projects may include counseling programs, drug and violence prevention programs, extended library service hours, recreational activities, and entrepreneurial education programs.9 According to the U.S. Department of Education and Learning Point (2006), fifty-nine percent of students who regularly attended a 21st CCLC program in 2004-2005 attained federal proficiency levels or better in reading and language arts and fiftyfour percent of those who regularly attended attained federal proficiency levels or better in math. Many communities throughout the U.S.
56
Middle School/High School Programs

Lakeside Middle School offers 8th grade students a career directed program that provides guidance toward identifying career interests and creating a four year plan in preparation for entering high school. Other resources available to help students with academic and career decisions are the Lakeside High School Counseling Center, and the CHOICES program which teaches students about how the choices they make at this stage in their lives will impact their future career opportunities.12
Figure 9.2: Coeur dAlene Tribal School
Source: http://www.tribalschool.org
Native Voices Young Playwrights
In 2005, the Autry National Center brought the Native Voices Young Playwrights Project to the Coeur dAlene Tribal School. This is a theater education project where students are paired with professional mentors for an intensive playwriting or theater workshop that leads up to public readings of the plays on stage. Coeur dAlene Tribal School Students wrote ten 10-minute plays and gave six different performances at various locations, including
Education
University of Idaho, Coeur dAlene Reservation, North Idaho College, and the Museum of Arts and Culture. The Young Playwrights Project was a unique opportunity and offered a sense of pride for students as this is a small, rural school that does not have a strong capacity to offer arts programs to its students.14
Other Programs
Other youth programs include the DeSmet and Worley youth centers, sports programs, after school tutoring, and the Coeur dAlene Tribal Youth Council. The Warriors Fighting for a Better Tomorrow Program is a resource available to athletic students who need help with meeting the academic requirements set by their coaches.15
Table 9.2: Educational Attainment of Coeur dAlene Reservation Communities

Plummer Number Percent Educational Attainment (Population over 25 years of age) Less than 9th grade 9th to 12th grade, no diploma High school graduate (includes equivalency) Some college, no degree Associate degree Bachelor's degree Graduate or professional degree
Source: 2000 U.S. Census
Number 150 19 36 40 33 5 13 4
Worley Percent 100 12.7 24 26.7 22 3.3 8.7 2.7
Tensed Number 98 11 10 37 24 2 12 2 Percent 100 11.2 10.2 37.8 24.5 2 12.2 2
531 28 87 180 136 60 27 13
100 5.3 16.4 33.9 25.6 11.3 5.1 2.4
57
Education

Graph 9.1: Educational Attainment by Location
High school graduates With a Bachelor's degree
90 80 70 60 Percent 50 40 30 20 10 0 Plummer Worley Tensed Benewah County Coeur d'Alene Reservation Idaho
Location
Sources: 2000 U.S. Census Idaho Horizons Communtiy Profile, Coeur d'Alene Reservation Idaho Works. Idaho Community Profiles. (Benewah County, Plummer, Tensed
Regional Institutions of Higher Education

Regional institutions of higher education include North Idaho College (Coeur dAlene), University of Idaho (Moscow), Gonzaga University (Spokane, WA), Spokane Tribal College (Spokane, WA), Eastern Washington University (Cheney, WA), and Washington State University (Pullman, WA). North Idaho College is located at the site of a historical encampment of the Coeur dAlene Tribe. With this in mind, the construction of a traditional longhouse is planned for the North Idaho College campus. The project is a part of the Nine Point Agreement, which has been created through a relationship between North Idaho College and the Coeur dAlene Tribe. The longhouse will be open to all students and is
58
intended to serve as a community center, a place where students can share knowledge and cultural experiences, and a place that will provide support to Native American students.16
Figure 9.3: Plummer-Worley School District logo
Another element of the Nine Point Agreement was a rose garden on the North Idaho College Campus dedicated to the Coeur dAlene Tribe in July 2007. This was the first step in the development of a tribal cultural history tour on campus. Historically, this was a tribal wintering area, and according to tribal elder, Felix Aripa, when they saw the roses and other flowers bloom it gave them a lift after the long winter. The roses signaled that
Education
it was time to leave the winter camp and move to areas for digging camas or other roots. The garden is laid out to represent the four cardinal directions. The north section has all white roses and represents winter. Yellow roses represent spring in the east and the south represents summer with red roses. West represents fall with lavender roses, the color closest to the traditional fall color of blue. Interpretive signs will be installed in each section of the garden that teach about the life of the Tribe in each season through stories provided by tribal elders. Each year, a couple of classrooms or buildings on the campus are also being given names in the Coeur dAlene language.17
59
Education
Holmes, Estar. 2006. Coeur dAlene Struggle with Public Education. Indian Country Today. http://www/indiancountry.com/ (accessed November 30, 2007). 2 Ibid 3 Ibid 4 Ibid 5 Ibid 6 Lowley, Lynn. Schools/programs offer students help. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, October 2007. 7 Holmes, Estar. 2006. Coeur dAlene Struggle with Public Education. Indian Country Today. http://www/indiancountry.com/ (accessed November 30, 2007). 8 Afterschool Alliance. 2007. 21st Century Community Learning Centers Providing Afterschool Supports to Communities Nationwide. http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/21stcclc.cfm (accessed November 29, 2007). 9 Academic Improvement and Teacher Quality Programs. 2007. 21st Century Community Learning Centers. U.S. Department of Education. http://www.ed.gov/programs/21stcclc/index.html (accessed November 29, 2007). 10 Afterschool Alliance. 2007. 21st Century Community Learning Centers Providing Afterschool Supports to Communities Nationwide. http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/21stcclc.cfm (accessed November 29, 2007). 11 Lowley, Lynn. Schools/programs offer students help. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, October 2007. 12 Ibid 13 DeGraffenreid, Jennifer L. CdA Tribe Begins Partnership with Extraordinary Young People. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, August 2007. 14 Autry National Center. 2007. Native Voices at the Autry Productions/Events. http://www.autrynationalcenter.org/nv_events.php (accessed November 30, 2007). 15 Lowley, Lynn. Schools/programs offer students help. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, October 2007. 16 Gentry, Lorraina. NIC progresses on 9-point agreement. Coeur dAlene Tribe Council Fires, October 2007. 17 McNeel, Jack. 2007. Coeur dAlene Historic Beach Rededicated. Indian Country Today. http://www.indiancountry.com/ (accessed November 30, 2007) 18 Washington State University. 2008. Coeur dAlene Partnership Program. College of Education. http://education.wsu.edu/cdaproject/ (accessed January 27, 2008).
60
Economics
Section 10
By Joshua Arnold and Jessica Evans
Economics
The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community bioregion is supported by several industries and economic opportunities. The forest products and timber industries are the most prevalent in Benewah County, while Kootenai County boasts an increasing tourism sector and the Coeur dAlene Tribal Casino. Unemployment and below-poverty level incomes remain a pressing issue in the bioregion, particularly in Benewah County. The real estate in the area continues to fluctuate with the market and as tourism increases in the Coeur dAlene area. There are several organizations to assist in the economic development of communities in the region and several business incentives provided by the state, which are summarized in this section.
In this section:
Industry and Business Industry Business Tourism Income and Employment Unemployment Median Household Income Poverty Real Estate Economic Development Jobs Plus Inc. Idaho Small Business Development Center Panhandle Area Council Idaho Business Incentives
61
Economics

e Table 10.1: Number of Employees by Industry in Kootenai County,
Industry Natural Resources Construction Manufacturing Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation & Utilities Financial Activities Professional & Business Services Educational & Health Services Leisure & Hospitality Miscellaneous Services Federal Government State Government Local Government Total
Source: Coeur dAlene Chamber of Commerce
Industry and Business

Industry
In Benewah County, the largest industry is forest products. The majority of employment in the county is tied to this industry in some fashion.1 Based on satellite imagery, seventy-six percent of Benewah County is forested, and an estimated 360,000 acres could potentially be commercial timberlands. Currently, the USDA Forest Service manages and harvests timber from approximately 30,000 acres located inside Benewah County. However, the timber industry has been rapidly declining in recent decades, which has had a significant impact on the county. Table 10.1 illustrates other industry and employment in Kootenai County.1
Figure 10.1: Logging in Idaho
Jobs 624 5,260 4,547 1,333 7,246 963 2,581 5,981 5,271 6,907 2,195 628 843 7,407 51,787
Percent 1.2 10.2 8.8 2.6 14.0 1.9 5.0 11.5 10.2 13.3 4.2 1.2 1.6 14.3
In Kootenai County, a natural resource-based economy has given way to the tourism industry, which has become increasingly important since the 1950s. This has opened the door for significant employment in retail and other tourist services. Table 10.2 shows the number of jobs in various industries in Benewah County.2
Table 10.2: Number of Employees by Industry in Benewah County,
Industry Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining Construction Manufacturing Wholesale trade Retail trade Transportation and warehousing, and utilities Information Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services Educational, health and social services Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services Other services (except public administration) Public administration
Source: US Census Bureau
Number 344 188 530 87 424 181 26 149 119
Percent 9.9 5.4 15.3 2.5 12.2 5.2 0.7 4.3 3.4
Source: http://pictopia.com/
724 243 209 248
20.9 7.0 6.0 7.1
62
Business
Business in Kootenai County centers around tourism. The largest employer in the county, Hagadone Corporation, has a diverse set of companies consisting primarily of publishing, newspaper, and hospitality businesses. Other major employers to note are Kootenai Medical Center, Center Partners, and the Coeur dAlene Tribal Casino. Education and other government employment is also prevalent. Table 10.3 summarizes the largest employers in Kootenai County.3 In Benewah County, employment is mainly in the timber, tribal, medical, education, governmental, agricultural, mining, retail and service sectors.1
Table 10.3: Kootenai County Major Employers
Company Hagadone Corporation Kootenai Medical Center Cd'A School District Center Partners North Idaho College State of Idaho Cd'A Tribal Casino KC Government Post Falls School District US Government Lakeland School District Verizon Wal-Mart Flexcel Silverwood City of Coeur d'Alene Coldwater Creek Advanced Input Systems Buck Knives US Bank Jobs 2000 1,650 1,400 1,300 930 850 720 750 690 630 550 500 450 420 380 370 360 300 260 260
Economics
Employees/Type Tourism & Publishing Hospital Public Schools Call Centers Community College State Government Amusement County Government Public Schools Federal Government Public Schools Telephone & Call Centers Retail Store Furniture Manufacturer Theme Park City Government Catalog Company Control Panel & Keyboard Hunting Knives MFG Banking & Call Center
Tourism
Figure 10.2: Coeur dAlene Hotels
Tourism in the State of Idaho has increased greatly since the turn of the century, as shown by the increase in lodging sales tax for the state. In Kootenai County, the increase is above the state average (see Table 10.4). In 2006 alone, the lodging sales tax in Kootenai County made up approximately 13% of the state total, and has been increasing faster than the state as a whole.3
Table 10.4: Idaho Lodging Sales Tax

2006 2005 2004 2003 Kootenai County Sales$43,731.201 Tax $40,706,499 $39,595,196 $36,274,068 % Change 7.4% 9.2% 9.2% 2.7% State of Idaho Sales$343,765,319 Tax $311,469,946 $305,342,006 $282,484,488 % Change 10.4% 6.0% 8.1% 0.4%
Source: http://www.destination360.com/northamerica/us/idaho/
63
Economics
Income and Employment

Unemployment
Unemployment in the bioregion continues to be a pressing issue. The unemployment rate is higher in Benewah County than in Kootenai,4 where the Coeur dAlene area provides more opportunity (Graph 10.1). This is especially an urgent situation in the community of Tekoa, where unemployment in 2000 was over fifty percent. Comparing the communities that make up the bioregion (Plummer, St. Maries, Tekoa, Tensed, and Worley), Tensed had the lowest unemployment percentage as of 2000, and with the exception of Tekoa, the community of Plummer had the highest (see Graph 10.2).4
Graph 10.1: Unemployment, 2004
10.0% 9.0% 8.0% 7.0% 6.0% 5.0% 4.0% 3.0% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0% 8.8%
Graph 10.2: Community Percent Unemployed, 2000

60.0% 50.0% 40.0% 30.0% 20.0% 10.0% 0.0% 12.3% 7.0% 5.7% 7.0% 50.6%
Plummer
St. Maries
Tekoa
Tensed
Worley
Source: Unites States Census Bureau
Median Household Income

Communities throughout the bioregion have variable incomes. As shown in Graph 10.3, the community of Tensed had the lowest median household income in the year 2000, while St. Maries had the highest. Of the two counties in the bioregion, the median household income for Kootenai County was significantly higher than that of Benewah County. In comparison with the state as a whole (see Graph 10.4), Benewah Countys median household income was much lower and Kootenai was a bit higher. This could be due to the high level of tourism in the Coeur dAlene area.4
Graph 10.3: Community Median Household Incomes, 2000

$40,000 $35,000 $30,000 $25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $18,750 $28,438 $32,054 $30,833 $27,500
5.5%
$0 Plummer St. Maries Tekoa Tensed Worley
Source: United States Census Bureau
Benewah Co.
Kootenai Co.
64
Figure 10.3: Dryland Agriculture
Economics
Graph 10.4: County Median Household Income, 2000

$44,000 $42,000 $40,000 $38,000 $36,000 $34,000 $32,000 $30,000 Benewah Co. Kootenai Co. Idaho State
$41,639 $40,509
$34,724
Graph 10.5: Community Income Below Poverty Level, 1999

25.0%
Source: http://www.answers.com
22.0% 19.8%
20.0% 15.0% 12.8%
Poverty
Poverty continues to be an important matter in any community, and the Coeur dAlene Reservation bioregion is no exception. In 1999, twenty-two percent of residents in Plummer had an income below the poverty level (see Graph 10.5). The communities of Worley and St. Maries had lower percentages. All were above the state average.5 Consistent with median household income, Benewah County has a higher percentage of residents with an income below the poverty level than does Kootenai County.4
10.0% 5.0% 0.0% Plummer

Worley
St. Maries
Graph 10.6: Community Income Below Poverty Level, 1999

14.0% 12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% Benewah Co. Kootenai Co. Idaho State
12.7% 11.5% 9.7%
65
Economics Real Estate

Table 10.6: Total Valuation of New Construction
Kootenai County Commercial Kootenai County Residential City of Cd'A Commercial City of Cd'A Residential
Although tourism is increasing in Kootenai County, real estate is fluctuating with the market. From 2005 to 2006 the median sales price on a single-family home rose nearly thirty percent. This is still lower, however, than the capitol of Idaho, Boise, which rose seventy-six percent in the same time period (see Table 10.5).3 The total valuation of new construction fell in Kootenai County, but increased in the City of Coeur dAlene (see Table 10.6). The number of building permits issued in the City of Coeur dAlene dropped drastically in the same period, showing that the construction occurring between 2005-2006 was much lower but high-priced (see Table 10.7).3 This could be a reflection of the growing tourism in the city. The desirability for second homes and seasonal residences is likely to be keeping the prices high.
Table 10.5: Median Sales Price, SingleFamily Home
(3rd Quarter) Coeur d'Alene, ID Boise, ID Ketchum, ID Los Angeles, CA Seattle, WA Spokane, WA Sun Valley, ID 2006 $232,339 $284,900 $1,295,041 $515,000 $429,950 $169,000 $2,231,875
2006 $5,327,969 $106,365,000 $34,673,374 $127,829,104
2005 $7,318,378 $109,265,753 $30,009,649 $92,847,107
Table 10.7: Building Permits Issued

Most current totals available Kootenai County Commercial & Residential City of Cd'A Commercial & Residential
2006 1,700 347
2005 1,881 791
Economic Development
Economic development is critical to the vitality of communities, and it is important that residents be aware of the options and opportunities for development. There are several groups and organizations in the region to assist in economic development. Three of these are summarized here: Jobs Plus, Inc., Idaho Small Business Development Center, and Panhandle Area Council, Inc. Organizations like these aid communities in economic development as well as train them to continue development in the future. The state of Idaho, through the Dept. of Commerce, also provides a variety of incentives and aid to communities and businesses.
Figure 10.4: New Development
2005 $179,600 $161,800 $1,199,000 $474,800 $310,300 $158,600 $2,000,000
Source: pictopia.com
66
Jobs Plus, Inc.
Jobs Plus, Inc. provides economic development services to Kootenai County and the Coeur dAlene area (including Rathdrum, Hayden Lake, Hayden, and Post Falls). The corporation provides support and information to business owners who desire to relocate to the area. The services are cost-free and confidential. The main areas of aid are in evaluating sites, comparing costs, locating support vendors, facilitating permitting, and overall making informed decisions about relocating or expanding to Idaho.6
Economics
Panhandle Area Council, Inc.

The Panhandle Area Council, Inc, (PAC) serves the five most northern counties of Idaho, including those in the Coeur dAlene Reservation Community bioregion. PAC specializes in assisting in stabilization and diversification of an areas economy. Members are elected officials and business leaders from the cities, counties, and tribes in the service areas. Services provided by PAC include low interest loans, government procurement assistance, grant writing and administration, business incubator for start-up and expanding small businesses, free business counseling, job training assistance, economic development planning, and off-campus small business training for North Idaho College. PAC also provides the following funding programs: SBA 504 Program, SBA Micro-Loan Program, Industrial Revenue Bonds, Revolving Loan Program, SBA 7(a) Loan Guarantee Program, FMHA Business and Industrial Loans, and Infrastructure Financing.8
Figure 10.5: Small Businesses
Idaho Small Business Development Center

The Idaho Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) offers assistance in extension services such as consultation, skill training, and information research to existing small business owners in Idaho. The organization focuses primarily on business plans, cash flow projections, organizational development, marketing/advertising plans, loan assistance information, purchase or sale of business, cost analysis, market research, and new venture analysis.7
Source: gonorthwest.com
Idaho Business Incentives

The Idaho Department of Commerce offers businesses a variety of business incentives, tax credits, tax exemptions, workforce programs, and grants. The purpose is to encourage economic health throughout the state. These programs are listed below.9 Business incentives:

The Idaho Corporate Advantage The Idaho Business Advantage
67
Economics
Tax credits:

Grants:

3% Investment Tax Credit
Up to $500,000 in Community Block Grants Up to $500,000 in Rural Development Grants Up to $50,000 in GEM Implementation Grants Tax Increment Financing Up to $10 Million in Industrial Revenue Bonding Economic Development Administration Grants Idaho Prime Loan Program
1000 New Jobs Income Tax Credit
$500 New Jobs Income Tax Credit
5% Research and Development Income Tax Credit
Workforce Programs:

3% Broadband Telecom Tax Credit
Up to $2000 New Employee Training Reimbursement Customized Recruiting Services Customized Workforce Training Workforce Training Network Idaho Business Network Export Assistance TechHelp Small Business Development Center TechConnect
Net Operating Loss Deductions
Tax Exemptions:

Business Inventory Goods In-Transit Property Tax Exemptions
Sales and Use Tax Exemptions
Tax Cap on Property Values Exceeding $800 Million
1 2
Benewah County Planning and Zoning Commission. 2003. Benewah County Comprehensive Plan. State of Idaho. Kootenai County. 1995. Kootenai County Comprehensive Plan. State of Idaho. 3 Coeur dAlene Area Chamber of Commerce. 2007. http://www.cdachamber.com/ (accessed December 3, 2007). 4 Unites States Census Bureau. 2007. State and County QuickFacts. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/16000.html (accessed November 5, 2007). 5 City-data.com. 2003-2007. Benewah County, Idaho. City-Data.com and Advameg Inc http://www.citydata.com/county/Benewah_County-ID.html (accessed November 5, 2007). 6 Jobs Plus, Inc. 2007. http://jobsplusonline.org/ (accessed December 3, 2007). 7 Idaho Small Business Development Center. 2007. http://www.idahosbdc.org/ (accessed December 3, 2007) 8 Panhandle Area Council. 2007. http://www.pacni.org/pacover.htm (accessed December 3, 2007).
68
Infrastructure
Section 11
By Jessica Evans and Jon Meier
Infrastructure
This section provides and overview of the infrastructure elements in the Coeur dAlene Reservation Community bioregion. The landscape is dissected by U.S. Highway 95, the major north-south corridor in Idaho that connects the panhandle to the rest of the state. The corridor also houses railroads that distribute farmed goods grown throughout the state. Waterways are used for transportation, recreational activities, and by the logging industry. The Coeur DAlene Tribe operates a gaming facility in Kootenai County, as well as a gas station, convenience store, entertainment hall, conference center, motel, and restaurant. There are several public and quasi-public services that extend to the area, including a county park, water systems, wastewater systems, libraries, cemeteries, county shops, street maintenance, and community halls. Utilities provided to Benewah County and Kootenai County include electrical power, cable TV, telephone service, and solid waste disposal.
In this section:
Transportation Street Maintenance Other Transportation Utilities Communications Energy Water/Wastewater Solid Waste Management/Recycling
69
Infrastructure

Kootenai Counties and are discussed in the transportation section of this document.
Transportation
Street Maintenance
In Benewah County, most travel occurs on roadways. Several institutions maintain the roads in the county. Highways 6, 3, 5, 60, and 95 are state highways maintained by the Idaho Department of Transportation. All other roads are county roads and are maintained by four highway districts: Up River (200 miles), St. Maries (290 miles, 28 are paved), Tensed Highway District (138 miles), and Plummer Gateway Highway District (98, 22 are paved). Also in the county are 24 miles of road that are maintained by the Coeur dAlene Indian Tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Of the public land, the State Parks System maintains the roads in Hayburn State Park and other state areas that are in the county. The federal government maintains 127 miles of road on USDA Forest Service land.1 Interstate 90 runs east-west through Kootenai County. In Kootenai County, five jurisdictions oversee the road networks: Idaho Transportation Department, and four highway districts, East Side, Lakes, Post Falls, and Worley.3
Figure 11.1: Billboard Along Highway 95
Source: http://www.viewimages.com
Utilities
Communications
The telephone provider throughout the region is Verizon, with above-ground lines or buried lines in some instances. Two private providers bring Cable TV service to the area: one for the Plummer area and in the St. Maries area. Cable lines generally follow telephone poles or are placed underground.1
Energy
Four major service providers extend electrical power to residents in Benewah County: Avista Utilities, Kootenai Electric, Clearwater Power, and a municipally-owned provider in the City of Plummer and surrounding Lovell Valley.1 In Kootenai County, there are two major electricity providers, two major natural gas pipelines, one natural gas provider, and one petroleum pipeline located in the county.3
Other transportation
Freight in the region is trucked, shipped via waterways, or sent by rail serviced by the St. Maries River Railroad and Union Pacific Rail Road.1 Burlington Northern also has a railroad route through the bioregion.3 Other transportation infrastructure includes a network of bike baths. Waterways and public transit are also used in Benewah and
70
Water/Wastewater
The communities in Benewah County that have community water systems are Fernwood, Santa, Emida, Tensed, Plummer, and St. Maries. The rest of the county uses private wells or springs.1 The communities that have wastewater facilities are Emida, Tensed, DeSmet,
Plummer, and St. Maries. Fernwood and Santa have a joint wastewater facility.1 The State of Idahos Division of Environmental Quality regulates Kootenai County water utilities. In 1992, there were 232 drinking water systems in Kootenai County, including incorporated areas.3 State agencies are responsible for sewage disposal system regulation in Kootenai County. These are mostly community septic systems, mechanical treatment plants, lagoons, sludge sites, industrial systems, and individual subsurface sewage disposal systems. Approximately 8.9 million gallons of sewage and septic by-products were produced per day in 1995. This included 232,000 gallons collected in septic systems, 5.5 million gallons treated by mechanical treatment plants, 177,000 gallons treated in lagoons, and 3 million gallons treated in individual sewage disposal systems.3
Figure 11.2: Avista Utilities Research
Infrastructure
Source: http://www.newsdata.com/enernet/conweb/conweb100.html
Solid Waste Management/Recycling

In Benewah County, solid waste is taken to a county-owned transfer station, then shipped to Missoula, Montana, for disposal.1 Idaho States Division of Environmental Quality and Panhandle Health District regulate and monitor Kootenai Countys disposal and treatment of solid waste. Collecting, transferring, and disposing of rural solid waste are done by Kootenai County Solid Waste Department. There are also recycling programs available.3
71
Infrastructure
1 2
Benewah County Planning and Zoning Commission. 2003. Benewah County Comprehensive Plan. State of Idaho. City-data.com. 2003-2007. Benewah County, Idaho. City-Data.com and Advameg Inc http://www.citydata.com/county/Benewah_County-ID.html (accessed November 5, 2007). 3 Kootenai County. 1995. Kootenai County Comprehensive Plan. State of Idaho.
72
Transportation
Section 12
By Jon Meier
Transportation
Transportation networks are important to a regions economic vitality and sustainability. Land use patterns and development can define the efficiency of the transportation system in a region. Effective land use and transportation planning can have enormous benefits to a regions quality of life, economy and environment. The transportation network in this region mainly consists of two lane highways connecting major towns and a broad network of gravel roads connecting homes in outlying areas. However, a major reconstruction project just north of the region is near completion and includes changing most of Highway 95 (the major north-south route) to four lanes. This will make it easier for residents to get to Spokane and Coeur d Alene and easier for people to visit the region. It takes anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour to reach a major city (Spokane/Coeur d Alene) from most parts of the region. Personnel automobile is the primary mode people use to navigate the area, however there is a free bus service, Citylink, connecting the region to Coeur d Alene that operates seven days a week. There is also an extensive network of old railroad lines throughout the region. Some of these have been turned into developed multiuse trails and others are in future plans to become trails.
In this section:
Major Highways Traffic and Commuting Public Transportation Trail of the Coeur dAlenes Economic benefits Cultural benefits
73
Transportation

Figure 12.1: Major Highways in the Region
Data sources: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/mapsdata/geodatacatalog/ http://inside.uidaho.edu/
Major Highways
The major North-South Highway is U.S. 95. From the southern boundary of Benewah County to the city of Coeur d Alene is approximately 60 miles. Idaho State Route 5 connects Plummer with St. Maries, a distance of approximately 19 miles.
Idaho State Route 60 turns into Washington State Route 274 and connects the town of Tekoa to the area. Washington State Route 27 connects Tekoa and Rockford, a distance of approximately 21 miles. Washington State Route 278 connects to Idaho State Route 58, connecting Rockford to Worley and Plummer. The loop that the highways form between the towns of Plummer, Tekoa, Rockford, and Worley is about 72 miles long and could be promoted as a scenic driving or biking loop.5
74
Transportation
Traffic and Commuting

The region is experiencing population growth which will lead to increased traffic on area roads. Twenty four hour traffic counts on Highway 95 have steadily been growing for the past sixteen years. Currently Highway 95 runs straight through Tensed, Plummer and Worley with limited or no sidewalks available. Having a major highway come through town can be both a negative and a positive. It makes it more challenging to walk or bike around town and also adds noise and a busy feel. At the same time it is a good way to bring economic interest into town. The enforcement of a slow speed through town, and the addition bike of lanes and sidewalks would make it easier for residents and visitors to walk around town. There are many examples of towns in the West taking advantage of a highway running through their community.4
Figure 12.2: Moscow, Idaho
Figure 12.2 is from the town of Moscow, Idaho through which Highway 95 passes. The town has used its position on the highway as a positive and is a successful tourist destination. More information for other towns can be found at: www.sisterschamber.com/. The majority of residents in Plummer drive alone to work (see Graph 12.1). This may be due to the rural nature of the region. Now that Citylink is operating a bus in the region, this number may have come down. As the region grows, putting extra stress on the transportation system, this high single occupant car use will add stress to the system and the environment.7
Graph 12.1: Mode of Transportation to work in Plummer
Source: http://www.city-data.com/city/Plummer-Idaho.html
Both Sandpoint, ID (www.sandpoint.com/) and Winthrop, WA (www.winthropwashington.com/) have also taken advantage of the highway running through their downtown to attract tourists. Most people in the region have relatively short commute times to work. As can be seen in Graph 12.2 most residents of Plummer travel less than 35 minutes to work with a few residents traveling up to 90 minutes. Being a rural region we can expect these types of averages. It is unclear if the highway improvements will make travel times lower or just
Source: http://www.mrsmcgowan.com/town/vietmeier.htm
75
Transportation
add more cars to the roads, thereby keeping times about the same.
Graph 12.2: Travel Time to Work
Public Transportation
Idaho Citylink is a cooperative effort between the Coeur d Alene Tribe and Kootenai County. The mission is to meet the transportation needs of workers, students, elderly and the general public in the Kootenai County and Benewah County area with its 23 stops. Citylink connects businesses, industry, recreation, educational facilities and health care facilities for area residents. The bus service has existing grant and matching funds to guarantee service through 2008. Citylink represents the first time in the United States that a tribal government and a local government have collaborated to create free public transportation.6 As shown in Graph 12.3 since the inception of the service in November 2005, ridership has increased over time, with nearly 19,000 people utilizing the service in 2007. Having a free public service such as this is a valuable asset to the community. It provides a way for residents to access larger communities and brings people into the area. A service like this shows that the community is trying to consider ways to reduce its impact on the environment. Another way the region is making an effort to bring people into the area and encourage alternative modes of transportation while reducing environmental impacts is with the development of the Trail of the Coeur d Alenes. This multiuse path is discussed further in the next section.
Source: http://www.city-data.com/city/PlummerIdaho.html
Infrastructure improvements to the transportation system, such as sidewalks, bike paths, overpasses and crosswalks could make it easier for people to walk around town and possibly to work. Walking or riding a bike gives people a greater opportunity to enjoy their community by increasing interaction with other people and the natural environment.8
Figure 12.3: Example of overpass
Graph 12.3: Travel Time to Work
C ityL ink R iders hip Data

20000 18000
Num ber of R iders
16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 2005 2006 2007
Source: http://surl.se/gdry
Source: CityLink representative
76
Transportation
Trail of the Coeur dAlenes

The trail of the Coeur d Alenes biking/walking path follows the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way from the town of Plummer more than 72 miles to the town of Mullan near the Montana border. The path takes you from the Palouse prairie, through Heyburn State Park, over the Chatcolet Bridge, along the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, and into the forest of northern Idaho. The trail has a gentle grade averaging 2-3% and is paved the entire length, making it a wonderful opportunity for a family or a group of riders.1 The trail has numerous rest rooms, historic information signs, and access location where people can get on and off the trail. The trail has also hosted organized recreational events such as fun runs and bike rides. The trail is promoted on www.visitidaho.org as well as many city websites and on the Friends of the Coeur d Alenes (a local nonprofit group) website.
Having a major recreational attraction such as the trail starting in the town in Plummer is a great opportunity to bring visitors into the area. According to the Idaho State Parks, 93,000 people used the trail last year, see Table 12.4.2 They mentioned that it is difficult to know how many were local versus out of area users, however it is safe to assume many people came from outside the region to use the trail. The trail presents both economic and cultural opportunities for the region to capitalize on increased visitation.
Figure 12.4: Trailhead in Plummer
Source: Jon Meier
Economic Benefits
Tourist who come to bike could potentially also visit the town of Plummer and shop, get bike supplies or stay overnight. An opportunity also exists to offer users of the trail a shuttle service. They start in Plummer and ride to a specific take out area then get shuttled back to Plummer.
Graph 12.4: Trail of the CdAs Use

Trail of the Coeur d' Alene's Use
96
Visitors (hundreds of thousands)
Cultural Benefits
Increased visitation to the area could also be a benefit to the area. For example signage along the trail would raise awareness of the historical land uses and previous residents. It could also serve as a catalyst to attract people to the area for events such as Water Potato Day or other community activities and celebrations. (See the Community Life section for a detailed list of local events.)
94 92 90 88 86 84 82 2005 2006 Year 2007
Source: Idaho State Parks Department
77
Transportation
1 2
Marsh, Gary. 2007. Friends of the Coeur d'Alene Trails. http://friendsofcdatrails.org/ (accessed November 10, 2007). State Park Trial Manager, e-mail message to author, October 25, 2007. 3 Unknown. 2007. Plummer Idaho. http://www.city-data.com/city/Plummer-Idaho.html (accessed November 15, 2007). 4 Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce. 2007. http://www.sisterschamber.com/ (accessed November 18, 2007) 5 Google Maps. 2007. http://maps.google.com/ (accessed November 18, 2007) 6 CityLink. 2007. www.idahocitylink.com/ (accessed November 20, 2007) 7 City Data, Plummer Idaho. 2007. http://www.city-data.com/city/Plummer-Idaho.html (accessed October 16, 2007) 8 Timothy Beatley and Kristy Manning, The Ecology of Place (Wahington, D.C.: Island Press, 1997), 171-193.
78
79

Coeur D'alene Reservation 2007 Community Bioregional Atlas

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Deskripsi Asli:

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Coeur D'alene Reservation 2007 Community Bioregional Atlas

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

2007

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregion Atlas

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

Figure 1: Along the Trail of the Coeur dAlenes

Introduction and Purpose

An Awareness of a Changing Region

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas

Figure 2: Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregion

Source: Coeur dAlene Tribe, Integrated Resource Management Plan-FPEIS 2007

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

Figure 3: Aboriginal Territory of the Coeur dAlene Tribe

Source: Integrated Resource Management Plan-FPEIS 2007

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas

Figure 1.1: Landscape of the Schitsuumsh

Data source: http://inside.uidaho.edu/default.htm

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

Wetlands and Creeks

Source: Spokane County Conservation District

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas

Vegetation and Wildlife

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

Source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

Figure 2.1: Timeline of the Schitsuumsh

CdA Tirbe Pop. 5,000+

CdA Tribe pop 500

Intro to Horse; Bison Hunts Begin

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

Mullan Rd. Wheat Fee sale Citizenship IRA

Indian Self Det. Act

Right to hunt/fish lands

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas

Aboriginal Lands of the Schitsuumsh

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas

Creation of the Coeur dAlene Indian Reservation

Plummer and Worley

20th Century Events

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

DeSmet and Tensed

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

The Coeur dAlene Reservation Community Bioregional Atlas

Figure 3.1: Woman by teepee

Beliefs and Values

The landscape is spiritually created and endowed.

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative

Figure 3.3: Example of language

Schitsuumsh: Aa! Qhest, slaqht English Translation: Hello! Welcome My Friend.

Leadership and Gender Roles

University of Idaho Sustainable Communities Initiative