Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
i
Bear Lake County
Comprehensive Plan
2025
March 1, 2002
Board of Commissioners
Dwight Cochran, Chairman, Don Clark, Conrad Michaelson
Bear Lake County Planning and Zoning Commission
Mike Derricott, Chairman, Henry Howell, Vice Chairman, Ann Massey,
Secretary, Barry Bergholm, Todd Boehme, Ronald Jensen, Greg Kempton,
Janet Michaelson, Former members: Verla Gregersen, Ruth Ann Jenson,
Keith Rigby, Darrell H. Sorenson, Jeri Crawford, Gene Boehme
Planning Services
Bear Lake Regional Commission
Craig Thomas, Deputy Director
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
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Bear Lake County, Idaho
Comprehensive Plan 2025
Table of Contents
SECTION
PAGE
Acknowledgment
iv
Introduction
1
Background
1
Property Rights
4
Population
4
Economy
8
Housing
10
Public Services and Facilities
13
Schools
19
Transportation
21
Recreation
24
Natural Resources and Hazardous Areas Inventory
27
Land Sensitivity and Capabilities
49
Use of Land Capabilities Process
54
Land Use
55
Community Design
70
Implementation
70
Bibliography
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
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List of Figures
Figure #
Title
Page #
1
General Highway Map - Bear Lake County
22
2
Geology
28
3
Hydrology
31
4
Slope Percentages
33
5
General Soils
34
6
Wildlife 1
40
7
Wildlife 2
41
8
Wildlife 3
43
9
Historic & Scenic
45
10
Highly Sensitive
50
11
Sensitive
52
12
Land Capabilities
53
13
Ownership
57
14
Future Land Use
59
14A
Future Land Use - Detail North of Montpelier
60
14B
Future Land Use - Detail Dingle Area near Bear River 61
14C
Future Land Use - Detail County Airport Area
62
14D
Future Land Use - Detail Ovid Area
63
14E
Future Land Use - Detail North of Paris
64
14F
Future Land Use - Detail North Beach Rd. St. Charles 65
14G
Future Land Use - Detail Bear Lake Hot Springs Area
66
14H
Future Land Use - Detail Fish Haven Area
67
The original maps Figures 2 through 14 are available for review by contacting
the county planning staff.
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
iv
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Bear Lake County Board of Commissioners and Bear Lake County Planning
and Zoning Commission would like to thank all of the people who contributed to the
creation of this plan.
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
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Federal Land (48.40%)
Municipal Land (0.01%)
State Land (2.96%)
County Land (0.01%)
Private Land (48.62%)
Percent of Land Ownership
By: Type
Introduction
This is the Bear Lake County
Comprehensive Plan. This plan is for the
purpose of promoting the multiple use of
Bear Lake and other important natural
resources in the county. The plan is also for
the purpose of promoting the health, safety,
and general welfare of the people of Bear
Lake County and, specifically, to assure that
future land development meets reasonable
quality expectations. Those expectations
are expressed in this plan and subsequent
ordinances implementing the plan.
Authority
This comprehensive plan is adopted under the authority of Idaho’s Local Planning Act, which
requires counties to prepare comprehensive plans and regulate land development and land use in
the public interest (see I.C. 67-6501, et seq.). The Local Planning Act further requires that all
comprehensive plans include certain components or a specific statement explaining why a
particular component is not needed (see I.C> 67-6508). Table I shows how the components of
the Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan fulfill the requirements of the Local Planning Act.
Past Plans
The first comprehensive plan for Bear Lake County(Land Use Guide) was adopted in 1979. That
plan is superseded by this comprehensive plan; however the Natural Resource Planning Process
initially developed in the Land Use Guide, has been updated and incorporated into this new plan.
Background
The Setting
Bear Lake County is located in the
extreme southeast corner of the state of
Idaho and is bordered by Utah on the
south and Wyoming on the east. The
county encompasses approximately
628,000 acres. Private land is 48.6% or
about 305,000 acres. Topography of the
county varies greatly from the high
mountains of the Bear River Range which
runs along the west side of the county to
the valley floor where Bear Lake and the
Bear River are located. Land-forms vary
from the steep slopes of the mountains to
the relatively level valley floor. The
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
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elevation ranges from more than 9,500 feet at Meads Peak to 5,800 at the north end of the county
where the Bear River flows into Caribou County.
The Bear River enters Bear Lake County at Border in the southeast corner of the county and then
flows in a southwesterly direction to Pegram. The river then turns and flows in a northwesterly
direction to Soda Springs in Caribou County.
Bear Lake is located in the southern end of the county and extends into Utah. It is approximately
20 miles long and 8 miles wide, with about half of its area in Bear Lake County.
The Bear River Valley and Nounan Valley comprise a large portion of the west central segment of
the county. Thomas Fork Valley, a fairly narrow elongated valley, occupies the extreme eastern
section of the county.
The climate of Bear Lake County is very comfortable in the summer with high temperatures
averaging in the 80's and low temperatures near 50. Extreme highs can reach into the 90's and
lows into the 30's.
Winters on the other hand are cold with low temperatures in the 30's or lower most of the time.
The average annual precipitation ranges from 9.5 inches at Bear Lake to 13.5 inches near
Montpelier in the center of the county.
Agriculture is Bear Lake County’s largest industry, but due to the high altitude and short growing
season, the crops in Bear Lake County are somewhat limited to wheat, barley, oats, alfalfa, and
wild hay. Cattle and dairy operations also play a large role in the agricultural economy of Bear
Lake County.
Bear Lake County has a relatively low population with 6,411 residents in the 2000 census. The
majority of Bear Lake County’s population is centered in Montpelier.
Overall, Bear Lake County is an enjoyable place to live except that the winters are longer than
some areas of Idaho, which does influence the quality of life in the county.
History
The Bear Lake area was first visited in the winter of 1811-12 by a small group of trappers who had
separated from the Wilson Price Hunt Expedition. These trappers discovered and named the river
and lake Miller after Joseph Miller, their leader and guide, who was probably the first white man to
explore the Bear Lake Valley. Six years later Donald McKenzie and his party came to this valley
and renamed the river and lake after many black bears they had discovered.
In 1826, Jim Bridger, with the Ashley party, followed Bear River to the Great Salt Lake. This
expedition was of such merit to later cause the naming of Bear Lake and the surrounding areas
“Bridgerland.”
Thomas L. Smith, known as “Peg Leg Smith,” was the first settler in the Bear Lake Valley. He
operated a cattle business, trading post, and horse exchange on an island in the Bear River near
what is now Dingle, Idaho.
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
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Under the direction of Brigham Young, hundreds of Mormon pioneers seeking homes helped to
settle the Bear Lake Valley. In 1863, Apostle Charles C. Rich led an exploration party into the
valley to select a permanent town site. They chose the westside of the valley at North Twin
Creek, which was later named Paris Creek. The settlement they created is named Paris.
Politically and geographically it was not definitely known
whether the Bear Lake settlements were all in Utah Territory
or partly in Idaho. The people followed their hopes and
desires by accepting the jurisdiction of the Utah government.
The whole of the Bear Lake Valley remained under the
government of Utah until after the federal surveyor, Daniel G.
Mayor, determined that the forty-second parallel cut the valley
in two, running almost exactly through the middle of the
lake(1871-72). Thus, in 1872 the Idaho portion automatically
became part of Oneida County and remained so until 1875,
when it became the tenth county in the state. Consequently,
Paris became the county seat and Montpelier has become the
largest population center and houses approximately half of the county’s populace. Other
communities include Bennington, Bern, Georgetown, Bloomington, Ovid, Fish Haven, Liberty, St.
Charles, Pegram, Geneva, Raymond and Dingle.
The principal crops of Bear Lake County are wheat, oats, barley, alfalfa, meadow hay, and several
kinds of garden vegetables. Farther south in the Bear Lake region, raspberries are grown. The
wide ranges are excellent areas for the raising of livestock.
The census of 1910 stated the population of Bear Lake County to be 7,729, while the most current
census of 2000 shows a population of 6,411.
Bear Lake, from which the county derives its name, is one of the most attractive scenic areas of
Idaho. It is 20 miles long by 8 miles wide, its elevation is 5,924 feet above sea level, and it
abounds in fish of many kinds, such as several varieties including Bonneville cisco, Sculpin, Utah
sucker, and Cutthroat trout.
There are other scenic points in the county. Northwest of the lake is St. Charles Canyon and
Minnetonka Cave. To the northwest is Bloomington Canyon, at the summit of which is
Bloomington Lake, nestled below huge cliffs. Northwest of Paris is Canyon Basin, in which is
found an ice cave of limestone and ice formations. Big game abound in the forests, and fishing in
the streams and lakes is excellent.
Tradition supports the existence of the Bear Lake Monster which has been sighted periodically
since the days when indians roamed freely in the valley.
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Property Rights
Land use planning and its implementation by local units of government are required under state
laws. Its function is to balance what is good and needed for the community’s well being with the
importance of property rights established by the federal and state constitutions.
Bear Lake County does recognize the importance of the property rights. One purpose of this plan,
as authorized by I.C. 67-6502 (a), is to protect property rights. The citizens of Bear Lake County
recognize that major changes in the use of property inevitably affect the entire community. The
making of good land use decisions occurs when land owners accept the responsibility for the
consequences of their actions, and avoid or mitigate adverse impacts. This plan and the
accompanying ordinances provide guidance for land owners seeking to fulfill that responsibility.
The 1995 state legislature amended Idaho’s Local Planning Act to require that a property rights
element be added to local comprehensive plans. The legislature also expanded the states
regulatory takings statute to cover local governments. The following strategies respond to the
property rights element.
•
The county will actively encourage citizen participation in the planning process.
•
The county will maintain this comprehensive plan with regular updates and amendments
that reflect the learning process of plan administration, as well as changing conditions and
state laws
•
One purpose of this plan is to protect property rights, therefore Bear Lake County Planning
and Zoning Commission and the Bear Lake County Board of Commissioners will consider
the potential impact of this plan and subsequent ordinances implementing the plan on
property rights. In doing so they will use the guidelines prepared by the Idaho Attorney
General.
•
In its land use decisions the county will follow the State Open Meetings Law and the Notice
and Hearing procedures required by State Law (I.C. 67-6509).
Population
The population picture of Bear Lake County is not as clear cut as some counties in Idaho. In
addition to the resident population, Bear Lake County has a nonresident population that includes
recreational/second home occupants. The goal of the county in relation to population is to:
Encourage and prepare for a diversified population.
Resident Population
The following table provides an historic perspective of the full time resident population and its
distribution and age groups. The county population peaked in 1982 with 7,385 people. The historic
high was in1910 with 7,729 people. During the mid to late 1980's the county lost population, but
has started to increase slightly during the 1990's. Since 1986 Bear Lake County’s population has
grown slower than that of the state and the nation.
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POPULATION TABLE
1970
1980
1990
2000
Incorporated areas
4026
4781
4181
4366
County totals
5801
6931
6084
6411
Persons per sq. mile
5.9
7.0
6.3
6.6
Age groups
1970
1980
1990
2000
Under 18 years (%)
39.0
37.5
37.4
32.9
18 to 64 years (%)
48.2
50.4
47.5 18+ years 67.1
65 + years (%)
12.8
12.0
15.0
Median age (years)
29.9
26.3
30.9
N/A
Persons per household
3.24
3.12
3.01
N/A
1970 to 1980 1980 to 1990
1990 to 2000
Population change (%)
19.5
-12.2
5.4
Percent migration
5.6
-24.0
Estimated 3.6
The population of Bear Lake County between 1990 and 2000 census experienced a loss of youth
under 18 of 7.2% and an increase of people over the age of 18 of 12.9%. This aging trend is
brought out in the school enrollment numbers.
A look at the enrollment in the schools in Bear Lake County gives additional understanding of the
population trends of the county. The information shown below has been provided by Bear Lake
School District #33. The district enrollment figures cover a majority of the county except for the
extreme northwestern corner of the county, known as the Bailey Creek, who attend school in
Caribou County. The school enrollment figures also do not include children that are home
schooled. But these figures give excellent trend information.
BEAR LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT #33 - STUDENT ENROLLMENT HISTORY
1990
1995
2000
Elementary Schools (K-5)
865
765
628
Middle School (6-8)
405
485
388
High School (9-12)
455
577
531
Total Enrollment -including
Preschool
1744
1869
1574
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
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6500
7000
7500
8000
8500
9000
Population
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
Year
WOODS & POOLE
IDAHO POWER
Bear Lake County
Population Projections - 2000-2025
School enrollment during the time period since 1990 peaked in 1995 with 1,869 students. Every
year since 1995 student enrollment has declined. Enrollment for 2001 school year is also
expected to be slightly less than the 2000 school year.
The median age along with the school enrollment show a trend of Bear Lake County’s population
is one of increasing age.
Population projections for Bear Lake County are presented below. Readers and users of this plan
and information are reminded that the projections are planning tools intended to illustrate
consequences of projected trends. The accuracy of the projections can be assessed only after
many years. The historical data is also subject to revision. The projection’s current value lies in its
ability to stimulate discussion on the county’s future and impacts on quality of life and public
facilities and services. It is also important to note that these projections are for resident population
and do not include recreation and second home users.
Two population projections are shown here. One is by Idaho Power Corporation Economic
Forecast. This projection is more aggressive and shows large increases in population for the
county. The second projection is one authored by Woods & Poole Economics of Washington, D.C.
This projection is one of slower growth and is a better fit for projecting the county population,
especially in view of the school enrollment trends.
The following table and graph present the two population projections.
POPULATION PROJECTIONS
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2025
IDAHO POWER
6,530
6,723
7,190
7,652
8,119
8,591
WOODS & POOLE
6,570
6,620
6,670
6,760
6,840
6,910
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
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0
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
Visitors
85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 *99
Years
IDAHO
Bear Lake State Park Visitation
Idaho Area Only 1985 - 1999
Nonresident Population
Bear Lake, along with the mountains and other natural attractions, has been discovered by
residents of surrounding areas, especially the urban area of northern Utah. Bear Lake County
currently has a large inventory of existing subdivision lots. There are 2,500 existing lots, the
majority of which are in the area around the lake. At the end of the year 2000 there are
approximately 610 lots out of the 2,500 that have dwellings on them. Obviously a large opportunity
for growth exists within existing developments. The number of lots with dwellings increased from
500 to 610 over the last two years.
In the 1990 census Bear Lake County had 2934 housing units of which 929 were classified as
vacant, seasonal, and migratory housing units. The majority of these units are in the area around
the lake. No information on the occupancy or condition of second homes in Bear Lake County is
available. The only comprehensive national study of second homes and recreational land
development is the Council on Environmental Quality’s Subdividing Rural America, 1976. That
study suggested that the average second home will actually be occupied about 50 days per year.
In looking at the historical use of the dwellings in the Bear Lake area about 85% have a second
home use. The use of a second home has other aspects than a first home, namely, family,
extended family and guests staying over a few days are much more common, and these types of
groups seem to be larger in numbers.
In conclusion it is difficult to actually place a number on the seasonal inhabitants of Bear Lake ,
but when compared to the year round population it constitutes a major element of the population
picture of the county.
In addition to the seasonal inhabitants of the county, there is a segment of short term inhabitants
that have come to visit the lake or camp in the canyons. This group is also very difficult to count.
The following graphs present information on use around the public parks and beach of Bear Lake
and of Minnetonka Cave, a major visitor attraction in the county.
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
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0
2,500
5,000
7,500
10,000
12,500
15,000
17,500
20,000
22,500
25,000
27,500
Visitors
80
82
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
2000
Years
MINNETONKA CAVE VISITATION
1980-2000
Economy
An Economic Profile was prepared as a background study for the comprehensive plan. The
profile was completed in March of 2000. The following are the summary findings of the profile that
relate to the economy of Bear Lake County.
Jobs
• From 1970 to 1997 (the latest year available) Bear Lake County added 575 new jobs. The
fastest growing sectors, in terms of job creation, were services and professional (45% of new
jobs), and government (38% of new jobs). The number of jobs in the farm sector declined
since 1970, with a loss of 69 jobs. Other losses since 1970, include mining with 16 jobs lost,
and transportation and public utilities with 70 lost jobs.
• Within the overall category called services and professional, several subcategories are growing
the fastest: Retail trade is the single largest sector, accounting for 25 percent of new jobs and
20 percent of total employment in 1997. Services (health, legal, business, engineering and
management, etc.) is the second largest sector, accounting for 17 percent of new jobs in the
last 27 years and 15 percent of total jobs in 1997.
• From 1970 to 1997 the majority of job growth (56% of new jobs) has been in wage and salary
employment (people who work for someone else). Non-farm proprietors (self-employed)
account for the remaining job growth (46% of new jobs). Farm proprietors decreased by three
percent.
• Employment growth in Bear Lake County lags behind that of the state and the nation.
• The majority of the growth in government employment has been in state and local
government.
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Business Establishments
• The majority of new businesses established in Bear Lake County from 1985 to 1995 have
been large, with 3 companies of 100 to 249 employees. During that time 21 small businesses
(49 employees or fewer) were lost.
Unemployment
• In 1998 the unemployment rate in Bear Lake County was 4.4 percent (5.7 % for the state).
Unemployment has been declining steadily since 1994 when it peaked at almost six percent.
Income
• From 1970 to 1997 Bear Lake County added $26 million in new personal income, in real terms.
During that time the fastest growing components of personal income, in real terms, were non-
labor income sources, such as transfer payments and dividends, interest and rent (65 percent
of growth, or $17 million new dollars) and government (20 percent of growth, or $5 million new
dollars).
• Growth in earnings by government employees was led by state and local government which
experienced an increase from $4.9 million in 1970 to $10.7 million in 1997. Federal
government income slightly decreased from $2.1 million in 1970 to $1.5 million in 1997 and
military income remained level at $300,000.
• The services and professional category is a mix of industries that witnessed an overall decline
from 22 million in 1978 to 14 million in 1991. From 1992 to 1997 the services and professional
category saw steady growth from 14 million to 19 million. Wholesale trade constituted 4% of
new income growth (one million) from 1970 to 1997 and finance and insurance real estate
made up 3 percent of the new growth ($300,000).
• Per capita income in Bear Lake County, in real terms, increased from $11,301 in 1970, to
$14,638 in 1980. By 1990 per capita income had decreased to $13,012 but has since
increased to $14,039 in 1997.
• Non-labor income sources constituted 38 percent of total personal income in 1997 up from 28
percent in 1970. During 1997, dividends, interest and rent (money earned from past
investments) accounted for 14 percent of total personal income, while transfer payments
(largely related to an aging population) accounted for 25 percent of total personal income.
Average Earnings
• Adjusted for inflation, average earnings in Bear Lake County have fallen steadily, from $20,786
in the early 1970s to $14,553 in 1997. That same year average earnings per job in Idaho were
$24,480, while in the nation it was $30,842.
Non-Labor Income Sources
• In 1997 75 percent of transfer payments were from age-related sources (retirement, disability,
and Medicare). In 1997 retirement and disability insurance payments to individuals were $13.8
million. By comparison, this is more than 5 times the income from farm and agricultural
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan - 2025
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services ($3 million), and larger than all income earned in the government sector ($12.4
million).
• In 1997, welfare represented six percent of transfer payments, and 1.4 percent of total
personal income. This is up slightly from 1980 (4 percent of tp) and 1970 (2 percent of tp).
• The fastest growing component of non-labor income is from transfer payments (primarily
retirement related, i.e., pension, medicare etc.).
• Over the last 27 years non-labor income sources have had somewhat of a stabilizing effect
compared to the frequent fluctuations of labor income sources.
Agriculture
• Total net income from farming and ranching in Bear Lake County, in real terms, declined from
over $10 million in 1970, to $5.7 million in 1980, and to $1.7 million in 1997. Gross agricultural
income in the county totaled over $ 21 million in 1997
• In 1970 65 percent of gross farm income was from livestock, while 17 percent was from crops.
In 1997 these numbers had changed just slightly to 67 percent of gross income from livestock,
and 15 percent from crops. Income from government payments remained virtually the same
with just a .3% increase from 1970 to 1997; however, over those 27 years government
payments were as low as 1.3% in 1974 and as high as 15.8% in 1988.
Inflow Earnings
• From 1970 to 1997 gross earnings from inflow (in-commuters) consistently outpaced gross
earnings from an outflow (outflow = money earned by people who work in the county but live
elsewhere). By 1997 inflows reached $26.9 million whereas outflows were at $4.9 million.
• In general, there is an increasing trend for people to commute outside the county for work.
Gross earnings inflow ($26.9 million) represents 29 percent of total personal income ($92
million in the county.
Housing
This section provides a brief description of Bear Lake County’s housing stock. The data presented
are from the census up through 1990. The 2000 Housing Census data is not available.
The following table summarizes housing for the three censuses of 1970, 1980, 1990 and what
data is available from the 2000 census.
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Housing Units
1970
1980
1990
2000
TOTAL
2,173
2,792
2,934 3,268
Mobile Homes or Trailers
55
205
285
N.A.
Overcrowded Units (1.5+ persons per room)
40
22
15
N.A.
Units Lacking some or all plumbing
105
52
82
N.A.
Total Vacant Units ( Including Seasonal & Migratory)
382
581
929 1,009
1970
1980
1990
2000
Household Composition ( Household size by %)
1 to 2 Persons
48.5
48.4
54.7
N.A.
3 to 5 Persons
37.6
40.6
33.4
N.A.
6 + Persons
13.9
11
11.9
N.A.
Tenure
Owner Occupied Units
1,512
1,811
1,668 1,878
Renter Occupied Units
279
400
337
381
Value
Median Housing Value
$10,300 $37,500 $38,700
N.A.
Median Rent
$58
$149
$175
N.A.
Plumbing Facilities
Units on Public Sewer
1,107
1,517
2,000
N.A.
Units on Public or Private Water System
1,598
2,125
2,188
N.A.
Nearly 1/3 of the total housing stock in Bear Lake County is listed as vacant. This large
percentage includes those houses that are second or recreational homes, with the majority in the
Bear Lake area.
The age of the housing stock in Bear Lake County through the year April 2000 has 63% built since
1940 with the remaining 37% built during or before 1939. See table.
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Bear Lake - Fall time
Age of Housing Stock - Year Structures Built
Units
Number Built April 1990 to April 2000
334
Number Built 1989 to March 1990
26
Number Built 1985 to 1988
91
Number Built 1980 to 1984
240
Number Built 1970 to 1979
565
Number Built 1960 to 1969
241
Number Built 1950 to 1959
340
Number Built 1940 to 1949
203
Number Built 1939 or earlier
1,228
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan 2025
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Public Services and Facilities
A wide range of public services is available to the residents of Bear Lake County. This section
includes a wide variety of topics covering the major services available to county residents.
Water Systems
The majority of communities in Bear Lake County are dependent on springs and individual wells
for their water sources. Community sources are as follows:
Bennington:
Sources are spring and flowing well 1 ½ miles east of town, a well
inside town, and another well 3/4 mile north of town. They have a
water storage reservoir.
Bern:
All homes served by individual wells.
Bloomington:
Source is Fred’s Spring located three miles west of town. They have a
water holding tank.
Dingle:
All homes served by individual wells.
Fish Haven: Water is provided by a private water users association and individual wells.
Geneva:
Individual wells.
Georgetown:
Source is Little Right-hand Spring, located four miles west of town. An
additional well will be in operation the summer of 2001. They have a
water holding tank.
Montpelier:
Four wells within the city and a water holding tank.
Ovid:
All homes served by individual wells.
Paris:
Source is a spring located five miles west of town in Paris Canyon.
Raymond:
Individual wells.
St. Charles: Source is St. Charles Spring located four miles west of town. They have a
water holding tank and purifier system.
Liberty:
All homes served by individual wells.
Pegram:
All homes served by individual wells.
Nounan:
All homes served by individual wells.
Sewer Systems
Bennington:
Served by individual septic tanks.
Bern:
Served by septic tanks.
Bloomington:
Community sewerage system.
Dingle:
Septic tanks.
Fish Haven: Recreational sewer system with more than 400 hook ups. They share
lagoons with St. Charles City. There is land for expansion of the treatment
facility. Areas outside of the sewer district are on individual systems.
Geneva:
Septic tanks and drainage fields.
Georgetown:
Community sewerage system.
Montpelier:
Community sewerage system.
Ovid:
Septic tanks and drainage fields.
Paris:
Community sewerage system.
Raymond:
Septic tanks and drainage fields.
St. Charles:
Community sewerage system.
Liberty:
Septic Tanks
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan 2025
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Pegram:
Septic Tanks
Nounan:
Septic Tanks
Solid Waste Landfill
Bear Lake County operates a solid waste landfill located two miles east of Montpelier in
Montpelier Canyon. The site was originally a phosphate mine owned and operated by Stauffer
Chemical Company. In 1971 the property was deeded to the Idaho Fish and Game Dept. which
retained ownership until May 30, 1997. During Idaho Fish and Game’s ownership, the City of
Montpelier opened a landfill on the site. Idaho Fish And Game later transferred ownership to Bear
Lake County.
The U.S. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and the Idaho Solid Waste Facilities Act
require site certification and identification of funds for closing the landfill. The county was given
until October 9, 1997 to be in full compliance with the law. On January 23, 1996, the county
received contingent site certification from the Idaho Dept. of Environmental Quality. The
certification was contingent upon the transfer of ownership from Idaho Fish and Game to Bear
Lake County. Ownership transferred May 30, 1997 bringing the landfill into partial compliance
with the law.
In planning for eventual closing of the existing site and expansion into adjacent cells the county
contracted Cascade Earth Science to perform engineering and environmental studies for
operation of the landfill. They determined that the existing site had a remaining life of eight years
in 1995. The existing cell with projections of approximately 12 tons of solid waste per day, has an
estimated life to 2003. Closing the cell in 2003 will cost $289,189 in 1995 dollars. The county has
recognized the closing liability and has identified funds to cover the closure and post closure
costs. In addition to closure costs of $289,200 the annual post closure costs of maintenance and
monitoring will be an estimated $26,485 annually for 30 years totaling $794,550. The total liability
closure and post closure for 30 years is estimated at $1,083,750 in constant 1995 dollars.
Plans for future use are to operate the existing facility for its projected years of life remaining until
at least 2003. The county would then dig a 400 x 600 foot cell as a lateral expansion at an
estimated cost of $614,819, including $289,189 to close the existing site. This would extend the
life to 22 years.
In planning for the eventual expansion and closure of existing cells in the landfill the county has
raised the use fee by one dollar per month and intends to establish a separate fund to cover these
costs.
The solid waste pick up service is owned and operated by the county. They also pick up solid
waste within all the incorporated cities. Use fees are collected in conjunction with the property
taxes. Rates in 2001 are: single family residential $60 per year for once a week pick up.
Commercial or other can have dumpster pick up at a cost of $180 per year per dumpster for once
a week pick up or twice a week pick up at $360 per year.
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan 2025
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Library System
The following excerpt from the “History of the Bear Lake County Library” by Pat Wilde gives us
insight into the local importance of libraries.
“Library needs were felt early in the Bear Lake Valley and to a large extent they were met by one
method or another. Just exactly when the first library developed is not definitely known. By 1958,
the groundwork for a county wide library system was established. Clyde Whitman headed a
committee to establish a library district. The commissioners were petitioned and an election was
held September 1959. The election successfully passed 270-174 and a district encompassing all
of Bear Lake County began. The district included the existing Montpelier City Library and the
Paris City Library. In exchange, two branch libraries developed, one in Paris and one in
Montpelier. All cataloguing, book ordering, and processing are done by the Montpelier Branch.
The Bear Lake County Library System today has the same two branches to serve all the residents
of the county. The Montpelier Branch building is now named “Whitman Thiel” Branch. It has seen
the most change over time.
The Montpelier facility has approximately 10,000 square feet and approximately 50,000 materials.
It was remodeled in the summer of 1998 with the addition of a new children’s library in 2000. The
library provides many services and materials to the residents of Bear Lake County including
popular fiction and nonfiction collections, reference and large print materials, books on tape, inter-
library loan, local newspapers on microfilm, videos, public access computers with Internet and one
of the finest children’s collections in Idaho. A weekly story hour and a summer reading program
are also provided.
Law Enforcement
The residents of Bear Lake County enjoy reasonable safety from crime. The local crime rate of
916 per 100,000 inhabitants was 13% of the State of Idaho crime rate in 1999. Of the 44 counties
in Idaho, 40 had higher crime rates than Bear Lake. This crime rate is based on “Group A”
offenses that include major crimes against persons, property and society.
The primary responsibility for law enforcement in Bear Lake County rests with the Sheriff’s
Department, but it should be noted that the City of Montpelier provides police protection for their
citizens and that an officer of the Idaho State Police is stationed in Bear Lake County.
Sheriff’s Department Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office in Paris has four (4) Deputies that
have their own unit. There are eleven (11) full time employees and one (1) part time employee.
Five (5) employees are available for patrol. Summer is the busiest time for law enforcement as a
result of the recreational opportunities around Bear Lake. A K-9 unit has just recently been added
to the department to aid in drug enforcement.
Search & Rescue Bear Lake County Search and Rescue has forty (40) members.
Members are all volunteers. Some of the volunteers have special training in diving, and
rappelling. The unit has some equipment for searches.
Jail In a very unique situation Bear Lake County contracts with the City of Montpelier for
local jail facilities. This jail is limited to 7 adult male prisoners. All other prisoners are transported
out of the county and housed mainly in Bannock County jail.
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan 2025
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Law Enforcement in Our Area Around the Lake Bear Lake County has a local law
enforcement compact with Rich County, Utah, whose jurisdiction includes the other half of Bear
Lake, so that in need, law enforcement assistance can be obtained from Rich County.
Bear Lake County also has an agreement with Idaho State Parks for boating and snowmobile law
enforcement.
Sheriff Bunn listed additional patrol deputies as the current need.
Health Care
Bear Lake County, with great people involved in local health care, has not been a part of the trend
of declining availability of health care for rural communities. Doctors in Montpelier include four (4)
family doctors, one (1) internal medicine, and one (1) obstetrician. Dental procedures are
provided by two full care dental offices.
Hospital Bear Lake Memorial Hospital is a county operated facility, with a board of
directors appointed by the county commissioners. The hospital was recently remodeled in 1999.
In addition to the local doctors, visiting specialists in ear/nose and throat, orthopedics, urology,
and nephrology/arthritis see patients at the hospital monthly. Tests such as CT scans, MRI and
mammograms are also available. The hospital has fifteen beds including two coronary intensive
care units and a labor and delivery suite. The remodeling also added waiting room space, and an
updated kitchen area. Other facilities include two emergency rooms and two operating rooms.
Transporting of patients is done by local ambulance or the hospital has a landing area for
helicopters from Pocatello, Idaho Falls, or Northern Utah. Fixed wing transport would be available
at the County Airport about 8 miles from the hospital.
Medical staffing at the hospital is aided by awarding monetary scholarships to people working to
obtain and enhance their education in the medical fields.
Home Health Care is available from both the hospital and Southeastern Idaho District Health
Dept.
Public Health Service Bear Lake County is one of the (7) counties served by
Southeastern Idaho District (6) Health Dept. The department is funded by the counties, state
appropriations, federal grants, contracts, and user fees. It provides health education, physical
health clinics, home health care nursing, and environmental health services throughout eastern
Idaho. The district is headquartered in Pocatello, but has a Montpelier office staffed by a public
health nurse and an environmental health specialist and a Women’s, Infant’s and Children
Program Counselor. The department reviews proposed subdivisions to assure that their residents
have access to safe drinking water and acceptable means of disposing of sewage and solid
wastes. The Department also issues permits for on-site sewage disposal facilities and monitors
private drinking water supply systems.
Emergency Medical Services Bear Lake County provides emergency medical services
through a system of approximately forty(40) volunteer Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s).
These EMT’s serve at least twenty-four (24) hours per month in four (4) hour shifts. Their training
includes basic response, defibrillation, extraction and advance capabilities (IV, intubation, and
glucose monitoring).
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Bear Lake County Comprehensive Plan 2025
Page 17
Four (4) ambulances, some with 4 wheel drive capability and one quick response unit with heavy
extrication equipment for vehicle accidents are all located in Montpelier adjacent to the hospital.
A project to build a new ambulance garage and EMT Training Facility is in the planning stages.
Future needs may include an ambulance unit in the Bear Lake area.
Fire Protection
Bear Lake County is covered by two fire districts, Bailey Creek and Bear Lake. The Bailey Creek
Fire District covers about 5 square miles and is split with half in Bear Lake County and half in
Caribou County. It is located in the extreme northwest corner of the county. The district has a
three-member board. The district contracts its fire protection service from Caribou County. The
approximate response time is 15 minutes. The district plans to continue this contract arrangement
as long as Caribou County is willing.
The Bear Lake County Fire District covers the remainder of the county about 1,000 square miles.
Management is by three commissioners. There are no employees but the district has 100
volunteers.
There are 10 stations operated by the district at the following locations: Paris, Dingle, Ovid,
Georgetown, Pegram, Geneva, Fish Haven, St. Charles, Bennington, and Nounan. In addition to
these stations, one tanker truck is parked on the eastside of Bear Lake. Each of the stations
house a pumper truck. Estimated response time is 15 minutes. Many areas do not have
hydrants. If hydrants are available, they are used. Otherwise, the average tanker holds over
3,000 gallons of water and is the immediate source of water. Portable lagoons, quick dumps and if
available, year round water sources are also put to use.
Dispatch services are through the Bear Lake County Dispatch center in Montpelier. The center
radios all volunteers simultaneously. Training of volunteers is ongoing and difficult to provide
because most of them are holding down full time jobs.
Improvements needed are to upgrade the fire trucks as funding becomes available. Areas of the
county needing better protection are Fish Haven and the eastside of Bear Lake. Elements
involved in the improvement include more volunteers, water sources, and equipment.
An overall need is additional funding.