Experience required

The upcoming May 2 election provides opportunity to keep Scott Hollinger on the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee. His experience and background provides needed insight in guiding future growth of Bigfork. He is highly qualified to make valuable recommendations to responsible officials and committees within the county.

Through zoning these decision makers have the authority to control and restrict current and potential property use and thereby its value. Decisions are open to influence by input from neighbors and community. Scarcity of land for needed uses drives up prices. Property values ultimately impact living costs in any given area, directly determining availability of starter homes and affordable housing and affecting overall economy. Timber, farming and ranching traditionally supported land owners and this community. Unfortunately use restrictions, global competition, and increasing costs are critically stressing these industries.

Conservation easements restrict land to its present uses, while transfer of development rights increases potential uses and land value in selected areas, forever leaving limited potential use or salability of the original property. The owner continues to bear all ongoing costs of land maintenance with declining revenues. Land for development is becoming scarce and prices increase as populations shift to rural areas away from heavily populated regions suffering from traffic, crime, and congestion.

Rural land owners have traditionally appreciated wildlife, the environment and their way of life. They are reluctant to see changes, but as real estate values rise and revenues decline, owners are disposing of lands that no longer sustain them. New arrivals see these lands as open space, viewscapes and wildlife refuges open to recreation and human enjoyment. These uses are non-revenue producing and cannot bear the cost of upkeep and maintenance.

Meanwhile over 80 percent of Flathead County land mass is under various types of government management, but should largely be considered public lands for public use and enjoyment. Much timberland is sick, dying and burning due to poor government management, yet they seek ever more wilderness, roadless areas and restricted access. This would create even more demand on private land owners to provide for and finance desired space for public use.

Population growth in rural areas and small towns is inevitable. As this occurs here in Bigfork we strive to retain the vision, atmosphere and quality of life that we have always enjoyed as identified in the Bigfork Land Use Plan. Change is inevitable but must be carefully guided on a continuing basis to protect the interests of citizens as well as property owners.

The County Planning and Zoning office has established procedures for processing applications for land use plan variances to accommodate changing needs. The Bigfork Land use Advisory Committee is the conduit for receiving public input, providing technical expertise and council and issuing recommendations to the County offices and committees. We need experienced, ethical, professional people at all levels.

Scott Hollinger with years of dedicated service on several related committees is highly qualified. He will receive my vote for the Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee on Tuesday, May 2 at the Masonic Lodge in Bigfork.

Respectfully submitted,

Clarice Ryan

Bigfork