Letter from the editor

Map change consequences remain to be seen

When the Flathead County Commission voted to make a change to the Bigfork Neighborhood Plan's future land use map in June, it certainly ruffled feathers among the document's strongest backers.

Its effects were being felt at a Bigfork Land Advisory Committee meeting last Thursday, when committee members voiced concern that they could only vote "yes' to an application concerning the properties that were the subject of the commissioners' decision.

There is little argument at this point, it seems, that allowing commercial use on the properties is a fine idea. But with the commissioners removing the teeth from an already fairly toothless advisory board — and designating the land industrial instead of commercial, no less — they've not only made the process feel silly, they've made it feel like a waste of time.

In a county where it's a challenge to fill empty seats on a variety of volunteer boards and citizens are encouraged to serve and participate, the effects of the commissioners' short-sighted decision could be felt far down the line.

Fireworks? Really?

I received an e-mail earlier this week with a photo from the Estes Lake trailhead above Woods Bay that showed a parking lot full of trash, the remnants of target practice and even a few fireworks.

With the Fourth of July now more than a month in the past, I've been continually amazed to hear fireworks going off periodically near where I live.

Not only does is make my neighborhood sound vaguely like Beirut, it's not encouraging to think about how many days it has been since we've had a good rain storm.

The dry conditions and steadily rising fire danger make the parties responsible for the Estes Lake fireworks seem even more reckless.

Every summer I'm always astounded to read accounts of people young and old who were playing with fire — literally — and sparked some massive wildfire. At best, taxpayer dollars are wasted and our air is choked with smoke and our trails are closed. At worst, firefighters could be hurt or killed battling a blaze that was started with pure foolishness.

During a time of year when extra care must be taken on every camping trip and backcountry outing, setting off fireworks is just asking for trouble. Hopefully those responsible will wise up before it's too late.

–Alex Strickland