Bigfork Eagle editorial

Manifest destiny

Bigfork is on the cusp of a reinvention—a growth explosion that will dramatically alter the landscape. Some residents are pondering the eruption with a mixture of awe and confusion, resulting in a sort of deer-in-the-headlights approach. Others are locked in seclusion, hands over their eyes, hoping that it will all just go away. Others are charging recklessly into the eye of the storm with determination and rage. Whatever the approach, it is clear that inaction will be absolutely cataclysmic.

Those who do nothing during this time of evolution will have nothing to complain about if the Flathead Valley is totally rezoned for strip malls and tract housing. This is the year, people! If you want to make a difference in your immediate environment, now is the time! Look around. Like what you see? Then make sure it doesn't get paved over for posterity.

OK, let's review what we should already know. The Flathead County Master Plan has to be rewritten by October. They call it a "Master Plan" for a reason! This document influences decisions concerning where growth is going to be allowed, and how dense that growth will be. For example, you have a nice five-acre parcel of land upon which you have built your dream home. You have a nice view of the mountains. There is a babbling brook running through your back yard that attracts various wildlife. Truly, you have found paradise on Earth. Now, the adjacent property gets rezoned by the county, and viola—instant subdivision. Your view is now impeded by multi-million dollar condos, your brook's water quality could suffer, the wildlife has relocated and your paradise has been lost. Private property rights are very important. Your neighbor has rights and so do you.

Get involved! Do it now! There are many opportunities for residents to influence the new growth policy. There have been countless meetings held by the county planners in an attempt to gauge public opinion. Do not fret, you have one more opportunity. There is a meeting set for Jan. 18 at the Swan River School starting at 6 p.m. If you haven't yet attended one of these meetings, go to this one. Although Bigfork is not incorporated, its residents do have a say in county government. The Bigfork Land Use Advisory Committee will have two vacancies in May. The committee serves as an advisory board to the planners who then report to the commissioners. BLUAC members are now elected by the people, for the people. Get your applications in before Feb. 16 to serve on this important council. The Bigfork Steering Committee is rewriting Bigfork's Land Use Plan, and they need community volunteers. There are eight subcommittees that need participants, especially in the areas of housing and land use.

If you failed to make a New Year's resolution, there is still time. Get involved! It is time for the community to manifest its destiny. There is a common goal here. If you are pro-development, pro-conservation, pro-growth, pro-open space, pro-affordable housing, pro-incorporation, whatever—the goal is to be a part of the process. Vive la Bigfork!