The campgrounds on the shores of Stanley Lake are some of the most popular campgrounds in the Stanley area. Just try to get a camping spot in the height of the summer.

But it looks like the campgrounds might be outgrowing their facilities. I was at the lake this summer and in order to get to the boat-launching area, you have to drive right through one of the camping areas. I know it's not fun for campers in that area to put up with traffic going to the boat ramp. Some of the shoreline to the lake looks a little beat up too where campers are using the area.

Anyway, Sawtooth National Recreation Area is seeking public comments on a proposal to reconstruct the Stanley Lake Recreation Complex.

The U.S. Forest Service says this recreation complex has many problems including: flooded campsites part of the summer; congestion around the boat launch; a hiking trail that shares a road with cars, trailers, and other vehicles; exposed human waste and unattended fires in the dispersed camping area; water pumps that do not meet current standards to prevent contamination and water pumps and restrooms that are not accessible to all people.

In order to solve these problems, the U.S. Forest Service is proposing to move the boat launch, convert some campsites to day-use picnic sites, construct a new campground loop, replace older water pumps and restrooms, and develop a dispersed camping plan for the area.

For more information, call Jana Johnson at (208) 774-3037 or check out www.fs.fed.us/r4/sawtooth/projects/.

Comments on the proposal should be made on or before Oct. 30. Or, you can send comments to the Stanley Ranger Station, attn: Stanley Lake Reconstruction, HC 64 Box 9900, Stanley, ID 83278-9802; e-mail to: comments-intermtn-sawtooth-nra@fs.fed.us

The Stanley Lake area is outgrowing its current facilities and design. If there was ever a place for a renovation, this is the place. It's such a beautiful camping, paddling and hiking area.

Photo by Pete Zimowsky