How to live in the Flathead: New website offers guidance to newcomers

Maybe you just bought a chunk of property here and you’re wondering what animals you might cross paths with in the backyard woods. Or maybe you’d like to learn how to better manage your forest for wildfire risk or something simple, like growing your own produce.

All that information and more is now available online at the new “Living in Flathead” guide, a website developed by more than 20 local agencies and experts.

The Guide is an online resource, dedicated to promoting responsible living, community connection, and sustainable practices in Flathead County. The platform serves as a vital resource for residents, landowners, and visitors, offering insights, solutions, and resources for sustainable living and responsible land and water stewardship amidst the stunning landscapes of Western Montana.

With more and more people moving to the Flathead now seemed an appropriate time to begin educating folks on how to be good stewards of the land.

The Guide comes with practical and sometimes blunt advice. Say, for example, you’ve just bought a nice home next to a neighbor that has livestock.

“One of the quickest ways to antagonize your neighbors is to let your dog chase livestock. Regardless if the livestock are on a ranch or a hobby farm, they are considered an important investment and are often regarded as part of the family,” the Guide notes.

Or perhaps some practical advice on what you shouldn’t flush down the drain at your home, including: fats, grease, pharmaceuticals, coffee grounds, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, diapers, wipes (including those labeled as “flushable”), oil-based paints, solvents, pesticides, household chemicals, hot tub treatments, or chemical drain openers.

If you have a septic tank, these are very bad for its health. If you live in town, they’re bad for the sewage treatment plant. “Flushable” wipes, for example, are the bane of sewage treatment plants.

“We are thrilled to launch the Living in Flathead Guide, a comprehensive yet easy-to-navigate resource for everyone, whether you are a new resident, long-time landowner, or visitor. We encourage everyone to explore the guide, take meaningful actions, join others in preserving and celebrating the natural beauty of this region,” Constanza von der Pahlen, Critical Lands Program Director for the Flathead Lakers, who led and coordinated the Guide’s development said.

The Guide offers a host of topics, including:

• Living on the Land: Discover simple practices to live in balance with the spectacular Montana lands.

• Living with Fire: Learn essential tips on living with fire and safeguarding your family and property.

• Living by Water: Understand how to protect the Flathead’s beautiful lakes and rivers, vital resources for drinking water and the local economy.

• Living with Wildlife: Embrace the special treasure of living with wildlife, and discover ways to coexist and minimize conflicts.

• Living Locally: Whether a resident or visitor, delve into topics such as local food, safe and responsible recreation, stargazing, recycling and composting, and staying safe during extreme weather conditions.

• Take Action: Engage with the community through tours, workshops, or classes to learn more about the beautiful surroundings and take individual actions or volunteer with local groups.

Von der Pahlen said the site eventually hopes to produce hard copy handouts as well available for new and even existing residents. But they thought it was important to get something out online quickly.

Learn more by visiting: https://www.livinginflathead.org