Woods Bay thanks

Once again the residents of our community have demonstrated their willingness to work together to address troublesome issues that have the potential to have lasting effects on our lives. When faced with the possibility of having 440 acres of special land go from the public domain into private hands, more than 70 local citizens turned out for a community action meeting to discuss alternatives.

I was very impressed by the passionate participation that was shown by so many who attended the meeting. I am very appreciative of Representative Bill Jones, who helped make the meeting happen. I feel confident that an alternative to selling the land can be found, and I look forward to working with those individuals who can craft a reasonable agreement to get the job done.

Edd Blackler

Bigfork

DNRC sale a bad idea

The meeting at San River Hall regarding the 440 acres, including Estes Lake, that the DNRC is proposing to sell was revealing in the depth of feeling the issue evoked.

The DNRC, in a letter dated March 18, 2008, is asking for comments regarded the potential sale of 440 acres of State-owned land near Woods Bay, which is often used for recreational purposes by residents of Ferndale, Bigfork and Woods Bay, and even many Canadians who come to the area once per year to enjoy its beauty.

My concern is that we all participate in this decision, whether we agree with it or not.

My personal views motivate my letter. They are these:

1 - Once land goes into to private hands it is almost never accessible to the general public. Those adjacent in Woods Bay would also lose direct access through their land to the National Forest beyond.

2 - Estes Lake is the closest mountain lake to the three communities and is a community asset.

3 - The area is habitat to grizzly, bobcat, deer, mountain lion and a host of wildlife.

4 - This sale will be a precedent for other State parcels in nearby Ferndale that may also come under the gavel, and be sold to the highest dollar bidder, most likely real estate developers.

5 - This parcel's probable use for real estate development will certainly degrade the habitat in the adjacent National Forest as the new houses will necessitate fire control lines on National Forest Land, further squeezing out wildlife, and ability to access the forest.

6 - My belief is that the value to the community of this land is broad, as well as deep but it cannot be measured only in economic terms, but in its value for the quality of life and environment of the community.

The law, motivation and purpose of the proposed sale is legally clear- to aid public schools. Yet there are other ways of funding schools in a state that has had a surplus it has returned to its citizens. This proposed sale, I believe, is the result of old thinking which does not recognize the recreational focus of Montana's future, and the current movement away from destructive "extraction" industries — be they careless mining, logging, or mountain real estate development — toward sustainable recreation opportunities which prize the natural environment.

I urge people to consider the general good, not just narrow interests.

Whatever your views I urge citizens to send in comments. They may have better reasons for or against the sale than I, and they all deserve to be heard and considered. The survey must be received by Greg Poncin by May 21, 2008. If you have not seen the DNRC letter before you may not have been regarded by the DNRC as being one of the "Interested Parties."

The current controlling DNRC mandate is at: http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/trust/land_banking/default.asp

John Zupicich

North Shore worries

I have "only" lived in the Flathead Valley for 49 years. I vote, pay property taxes, and like many sportsman I purchase federal waterfowl and upland game bird licenses, so I have seen a lot of change in the Valley.

I have nothing against growth and development, if done properly. There's a place to build subdivisions and a place not to build. The North Shore Ranch development project next to a major Federal Waterfowl Production Area is NOT that place. The north shore of Flathead lake between Somers almost to Bigfork lie within the boundaries of a Waterfowl Production area. This area is a precious environment for migratory birds and other wildlife, and has been used by bird watchers and many sportsman like myself since its inception in the early 1970s. The North Shore refuge is one of the few good places that offers open accessibility for upland bird sportsman, without driving sixty miles. The North end of Flathead Lake and the Waterfowl Production Area are special places for many to get away for part of a day, places where sportsman have taken their children, and grandchildren for a upland bird or waterfowl outings.

Good planning separates incompatible land uses. The North shore refuge offers upland bird and waterfowling. This has always been compatible with neighboring farms. However this development puts Flathead Valley sportsman and newcomers on a collision course. No one can enjoy the outdoors next to a subdivision, and homeowners generally don't want shotguns going off nearby. What if a goose or a pheasant falls on a roof or though a window? How would a hunter's dog retrieve it? Allowing a subdivision along the north shores of Flathead Lake is a recipe for conflict.

If buildings and houses go adjacent to the wildlife refuge boundary the serenity — the placid, tranquil expanse of water, land and wildlife — would be ruined. The subdivision, and others that will follow in its wake, will destroy the sense of solitude and the expansive beauty of where the lake meets the North Shore. Only the developer and a few homeowners will benefit. The majority of us will lose.

Flathead County needs to recognize that North Shore of Flathead Lake between Somers and the River is no ordinary piece of farmland. It's the very essence of the whole valley. The North end of Flathead Lake should be left for future generations so our children can enjoy the same things we have.

Mike Noziska, Kalispell

Thanks to voters

I want to thank all the people who voted for me for Trustee of Flathead Electric Cooperative, District 8. Also, thanks to all of the members of District 8, whose positive response, encouraging comments and genuine enthusiasm for my candidacy is very much appreciated. Thank you for your support.

Bob Chrysler