The 2000s: Looking back to look forward
Special to the Bigfork Eagle
Last month, The Bigfork Eagle asked local residents to reflect on two questions about the past and future of the area as the decade finished out. Over the next few weeks, we'll share what they had to say.
Sue Hanson, chair of the Bigfork Stormwater Advisory Committee
(1) What have been the two or three most significant changes or events in the Bigfork area in the past 10 years?
I am always impressed by the improvements to the Bigfork Village thanks to the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork.
New sidewalks, benches on Swan River Trail, recycling efforts, donation support to many needy organizations, annual cleaning the streets, Tamarack Time!, Festival of the Arts and so much more.
They deserve a huge "tip of the hat" for all they do. I consider the CFBB the "heartbeat" of Bigfork, always with the best interest of the community in mind.
I'm also so grateful for the huge strides made to address stormwater issues in Bigfork.
With the partnered effort to install the detention and filtration system at Bigfork schools, there is already a significant impact. We grow closer to actual construction on Grand Drive.
Flathead County, with the help of the Bigfork Stormwater Advisory Committee, continues to work toward completion of the upgrade of the stormwater system surrounding Bigfork Bay.
By reducing the impacts of pollution into Swan River and Bigfork Bay we can protect the water resources so vital to the economy of Bigfork and Flathead Lake communities.
(2) Ten years from now, what will the Bigfork area look like? What are your hopes for the next 10 years?
Hopefully, Bigfork will look much the same in 10 years., but with a thriving economy and business opportunities to enhance our community.
It would be wonderful to be able to address parking issues in the Village within the next 10 years.
The continued volunteer spirit, so vital to the things that make Bigfork special, will continue with new ideas, new energy and hopefully, new individuals participating.
Julie Spencer, manager of the Bigfork Water & Sewer District
(1) What have been the two or three most significant changes or events in the Bigfork area in the past 10 years?
Bigfork Water and Sewer District had a decade of unprecedented growth, increasing from 750 to 1,125 connections. Besides the sewer extension north of Bigfork, 21 subdivisions were started and/or completed.
Improvements to aging infrastructure made the district more accountable for natural resources.
The district completed the first phase of a multi-phase upgrade to the Waste Water Treatment facility that reached its 20-year useful life in 2006.
(2) Ten years from now, what will the Bigfork area look like? What are your hopes for the next 10 years?
The next phase [of upgrades' includes state-of-the-art technology giving the district the ability to treat wastewater to more stringent permit limits.
The district's mission is improving water quality in Flathead Lake.
Read more responses in next week's Bigfork Eagle.
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Want to give your two cents on these questions? E-mail editor@bigforkeagle.com.