Swan Valley Community Council Council
SWAN VALLEY- Amy Robinson with the Montana Wilderness Association (MWA) related information about the proposed Flathead National Forest (FNF) draft plan to nearly 30 people at the Swan Valley Community Council (SVCC) on Tuesday, July 19. There was also a discussion about biker and traffic safety on the Swan Highway.
Robinson said she wanted to speak to the council about how to participate in the Forest Service (FS) public land process. The FNF draft plan is a framework on how the lands will be managed for the next 20 years.
Robinson said that the public has 120 days to comment on the draft plan. Oct. 3 is the deadline.
The Forest Service has recommended four alternatives:
A. No action taken. The status quo, the same as the 1987 FNF Forest Plan
B. Balanced plan incorporating the other alternatives.
C. All recommended wilderness areas More wilderness areas in the Swan Range
D. No wilderness recommended more backcountry, either motorized, non-motorized
Robinson said maps are available online to view the recommended alternatives on which to comment. Some of the sections of the plan are: the designated and recommended Wilderness Areas, designated and eligible Wild and Scenic River, motorized and non-motorized backcountry and general forests.
Robinson answered questions from those in attendance.
Who are you representing? Are you one and the same with the Forest Service?
I don’t work for the Forest Service, MWA pays my salary. I talk, ask questions and work with the Forest Service.
Are the proposed areas called wilderness now?
No, it is called proposed wilderness.
Does the FNF have a preferred choice among the alternatives?
Sometimes the Forest Service chooses a preferred alternative. I think that B would most likely be the preferred alternative because it strikes a balance between the other three.
What is the difference between alternative A and alternative D?
In A, there would be no action. D recommends wilderness would be removed and there would be more backcountry, either motorized or non-motorized, or some of both.
Which alternative would best suit multiple use of the land?
Alternative D would be the best option.
How can wilderness impact our economy?
The MWA received a grant from the Office of Tourism to publish booklet on 50 led wilderness hikes. It could potentially bring tourist dollars to the area.
How will property lines be affected?
Property lines can come right up to the wilderness boundary.
Will there be roads in the wilderness to access fire areas?
Write in your comments what specific roads to leave open for fire line use.
Did you work with the FNF to create areas on the proposed plan?
The MWA did not collaborate with the FNF drawing lines. I will submit comments for our membership of five thousand.
Swan Valley resident Anne Dahl added that the lines on the maps represent many comments over the years.
Many here make a living logging. How will logging be affected?
If alternative C is chosen, access will be lost. The remaining three alternatives would have no change to motorized use in the Swan.
Will we be heard? Is there any point to participating?
Voices of citizens do have sway with the FNF. They also have to consider environmental laws and other regulations.
What other organizations or agencies have you partnered with?
The MWA worked with Backcountry Horsemen on the Continental Divide trail. Others MWA has worked with many groups some of which are realtors, community colleges, logging associations and snowmobile clubs.
Do the wilderness boundaries end at Highway 83?
There are proposed open forest areas along Highway 83.
Who signs off on the final plan?
Flathead National Forest Supervision Chip Weber signs the plan, however, only the U.S. Congress can designate wilderness.
The division between those attending the meeting who make a living from the land’s resources and those who favor the more restricted wilderness was made apparent with sharp remarks and loud opinions being voiced back and forth. Loud opinions were still being voiced from those outside the Community Hall when nearly half of the attendees left the meeting at the conclusion of Robinson’s presentation.
SVCC member Marcia Tapp said she was glad so many came to the meeting. “We can say what we want to. It is democracy at the grass roots. We can make a difference”
To view maps and comment on the proposed alternatives to the National Forest Plan visit, http://www.fs.usda.gov and go to Flathead National Forest and click on planning and revision plan.
Mail your comments to the Kalispell office at: Flathead National Forest Supervisor’s Office; 650 Wolfpack Way; Kalispell, MT 59901
There was discussion about the dangers to both vehicles and bikers on Highway 83 through the Swan Valley. Resident Chris Auchenbach said that campers, boats and semis pose a threat to bikers traveling the highway. Chair Ken Donovan said that in some places the fog line is only four inches from the edge of the pavement making it difficult for the biker to move over.
Council member Lacey McNutt proposed finding out when biker groups are coming to the Swan and post it on the Swan Valley Facebook page. Residents would then be aware of it and be more cautious.
Council member Kathy Koors recommended posting a warning on the bikers websites about the dangers of the narrow highway.
Chair Ken Donovan suggested forming a subcommittee to look into funding and possible bike paths that would create more safety. Council member Marcia Tapp said she would contact the Missoula Bike Association to present to the council on the process. She said the council could then form a subcommittee based on information received.
In other business, a Swan Valley resident John Keller encouraged those present to read the Missoula County Growth plan which has now been adopted. He said that the county outside the urban area in the fringe and rural areas it was quiet on growth. However, there are many specific regulations on subdivision which could impact the Swan Valley Regional plan.
The council elected their officers for the year. Henry Westra became Vice Chairman, Ken Donovan remained the chair and Marcia Tapp will continue to be the treasurer. Secretary Loretta Thomas holds a paid position with SVCC.
The next SVCC meeting will be Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Swan Valley Community Hall.
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