Comments Continue on SVRP Draft, Swan River Eligible to Be Wild and Scenic

SWAN VALLEY - Quick Response Unit (QRU) Medical Chief Dan Maloughney and Swan Valley Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Randy Williams spoke about their critical need for volunteers and commented on the Swan Valley Regional Plan (SVRP) draft at the Swan Valley Community Council (SVCC) meeting March 15. Kascie Herron and Rick Potts from Montanans for Healthy Rivers coalition also told attendees that local rivers and tributaries are eligible to be designated “Wild and Scenic.”

“We are in a crisis situation right now,” said Maloughney. He said that the number of volunteers is down, the current members are aging and the four new trainees can’t go on a call themselves. He said many young people in the valley don’t want to commit the time it takes to train to become a volunteer. “It is not an easy process [becoming a volunteer]. We ask a lot of our volunteers.”

Maloughney commented on the SVRP draft that addresses the medical unit in the Swan Valley. He said he wanted the draft’s inaccurate information corrected including that Station Two, located in Lake County, is not for vehicle storage as the draft states but rather that it is an active fire department. He wanted the fact added that in addition to an aging population and part-time residents the lack of jobs and housing in the Swan Valley makes it hard to recruit volunteers. “Our future depends on our resources, that of future generations.”

Maloughney said there was nothing in the drafts that addresses how the community was going to support the medical unit and how can the plan insure that the medical unit would be present.

Williams said that ten members of the fire department are older than 55 and he asked residents to encourage young people to apply to join the Swan Valley Fire Department.

Some of the nearly 20 residents present commented and questioned the speakers.

Questions to Maloughney are in bold print, his responses follow.

Is the lack of volunteers unique to the Swan Valley? No, a lot of rural areas are facing the same thing.

Can you get helicopters to respond to medical issues if you order it? Yes, if they are available.

SVRP committee member Dave Johnson said that several areas in the plan needed closer scrutiny. “We are determined to try to absorb what is in those comments to try and improve the plan. I don’t think we are very close to the finish line.” He said it will take more time but will benefit the plan and the community. He added the committee will begin the process March 23.

Several residents said that economic growth is needed to lure young people to the valley. Many of the residents said their offspring could not afford to stay in the valley.

Montanans for Healthy Rivers representatives Herron and Potts received comments and questions from those present about the designated area of the Swan River becoming eligible for Wild and Scenic status. Some residents expressed reservations while others saw opportunity for economic growth in the process. Questions to Herron and Potts are in bold print with their responses following.

What is the purpose of the Montanans for Healthy Rivers coalition? To come together for river protection, restoration and obtain resources to manage waterways.

How are the rivers and streams identified for Wild and Scenic designation? At public meetings and with local input. The Gallatin River and Rock Creek near Missoula for instance have been named.

What rivers in Montana have Wild and Scenic designation? All three forks of the Flathead and 150 miles of the Missouri.

What is the purpose of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968? To preserve the free flowing condition of the river. Input from local communities is a requirement to obtain status as Wild and Scenic.

How does one go about getting Wild and Scenic status? Local citizens request Montana’s Congressmen to introduce legislation for it to become law. The Congressmen want to know what the people say.

Is this a done deal? No, legislation has not been introduced.

Are you recommending the entire Swan River be Wild and Scenic? We are recommending from the State Forest to Swan Lake. The map of the recommended area can be viewed on Montanans for Healthy Rivers’ website.

Swan Valley resident Merrily Dunham said, “Little pieces [of the Swan River] aren’t going to make that much of a draw for economic impact. The whole river system would attract tourists.”

Potts said, “Landowners along the Swan could ask the Congressmen to designate it for Wild and Scenic and it would be done. It has to come from local landowners. It would draw people and dollars.”

What is the width of the corridor along the waterway? It is one-quarter mile on each side of the waterway.

Can logging sales come close to the area? Can one use motorized vehicles or fish and hunt in the corridor? Sometimes logging activities occur right up to the corridor and in some cases it is allowed in the corridor to thin out timber. There are no restrictions on motorized vehicles or fishing. State fishing and hunting laws still apply.

What are some of the benefits of the designation? Depending on the management plan, fisheries may open up on Elk Creek for instance. The local community has a say in the management plan. It can increase the economic base and jobs in tourism to communities. It ensures water will be free flowing for future generations.

Who is responsible for the management plan and enforcement of directives? The Swan River would be under the Flathead National Forest (FNF).

How is the Forest Service going to have money to manage the river? Congress designates extra resources to manage the rivers and streams.

Potts said, “This [presentation] is not an attempt to sell [wild and scenic designation]. If it doesn’t fit your community, don’t use it. It is a tool that might work for you.”

Potts added, “Volunteers can help forge the future of streams and rivers. History is made by those who show up.”

Herron said, “It comes down to the community’s vision and what you want.” She said that they are available for more meetings in the Swan Valley if there is interest in pursuing the Wild and Scenic designation.

For more information visit http://www.HealthyRiversMT.org

In other business, the three candidates for the two seats on the SVCC vacated by Dwayne Forder and Cilla Moseley will be present at the April 19 meeting to answer questions from the public. The candidates are Lacey McNutt, Elda (Ellie) Greenough, and Henry Westra.

The SVCC regular monthly meeting will be April 19 at 7 p.m. at the Swan Valley Community Hall.