Keep the reservoir

Once again city leaders are looking at selling the Cedar Creek Reservoir, and once again, we don't think it's a great idea for a variety of reasons.

We view the reservoir as insurance. The city now relies on wells for its water, and we all know things can go drastically wrong with wells. Once they're polluted, they're real tough to clean up. With growth infringing on our wells, it would only take a good gas spill to foul one.

The reservoir is done and paid for and costs just about zilch to maintain. And who knows? The water it provides may also be necessary for further growth.

We also have to admit we like the reservoir's elk herd. Sure, the city isn't in the business of feeding elk. But that elk herd is part of this city's heritage. We like the idea of elk roaming around the edges of the city limits. It's what Montana is all about. It's what makes living here sort of nice.

But having said all that, if the city must sell the land, then we suggest it places a conservation easement on the land to control subdivision, as Councilman Charlie McCubbins suggested. The city would get the cash it seems to so desperately needs and the elk would still have room to roam.