What's in a sign?

Everything! Signs identify a business, products, churches, organizations, or celebrations, provide directions, warnings and much more. Signs provide important information or invite the public within.

The enthusiasm to attract attention by the use of signs can create problems. There are federal, state, county and city regulations for the use of signs. Since Bigfork is not an incorporated city, Flathead County regulations apply. Flathead County regulations also comply with federal and state regulations, in addition to issues that are specific and important to our area of the state. Most sign regulations address undue distraction and safety hazards.

In most instances, people do not consciously ignore regulations. It is more a matter of not knowing the regulations and how they apply. Most common violations involve portable signs on highway rights-of way, wall signs projecting beyond the two-foot limit from the face of the building or projecting above the highest point of roof structure, animation, and portable or moveable reader board signs that remain longer than the 10-day limit.

The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee (BLUAC) serves in an advisory capacity to the Flathead County Commissioners and the Flathead County Planning and Zoning Board. BLUAC can also serve as a clearing source to rectify problems before they become a larger issue. The members feel it is important to deal with issues locally and provide useful information to the public rather than take a strong-arm approach.

At the regular monthly meeting on May 31, 2007, BLUAC will address recent complaints of inappropriate signage along major corridors in the Bigfork area. Those determined to be in violation will receive a notification in the mail asking the individual to correct the problem within 30 days. If there is no corrective action taken, the violation will be forwarded to the Flathead County Zoning Office for action. For more information, contact Chairman John Bourquin (837-0669) or visit the BLUAC page on bigforksteering.org

We need signs. Let’s make sure the signs we use are appropriate and meet all regulations that apply.

Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee

Fix North Fork Road

I was so glad to read ,in the May 17 Bigfork Eagle about the group addressing the condition of the North Fork Road. A few summers ago, we traveled that road to go fishing in the early summer. The road was rutted and dusty, but not too bad. In mid-Augest we returned, bringing visitors to go into the park. The condition of the road was terrible. It was rutted so badly, it was back-jarring to drive.

The worst part was the fine powdered dust the permeated everything. If you passed another vehicle, you were blinded. If you had the bad luck of following someone,you were covered with dust. It was not pleasant. I felt the need to apologize over and over again.

I never thought of the dust as being a polluting factor for water quality, but it just makes sense, given the amount of dust that one vehicle kicks up. So I hope the NFRCHS group is successful in their efforts. By leaving the road in such awful condition we are not only keeping out tourists, but local folks who love the North Fork, and we may be polluting our own environment too.

Marcia Peck