The Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho is maintaining law and order on waters that are under its jurisdiction.

In 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that the tribe owns the southern third of Lake Coeur d'Alene, 20 miles of the St. Joe River and part of Black Lake. Since then, the tribe has begun patrols to keep the waters safe for boaters.

Officers Rich Wienclaw and Tom Bob say the public has welcomed the tribe's presence. They haven't issued any citations all summer.

To keep things simple, the tribe adopted the same boating rules as the state. Tribal officers have gone through the Kootenai County Sheriff's marine training. The Benewah County Sheriff also works with the tribe.

Get the Story:
Tribal Patrol Keeps Water Calm (The Spokesman-Review 8/30)

Relevant Links:
Coeur D�Alene Tribe - http://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov

Related Stories:
Idaho tribe wins treatment as state for water programs (08/09)
Coeur d'Alene Tribe wants to know impact of dam (10/01)
Non-Indians oppose Idaho tribe's jurisdiction (03/23)
Coeur d'Alene Tribe wins lake ownership case (6/19)
Supreme Court to rule on lake ownership (12/13)
State wants Coeur d'Alene Lake (7/27)