Welcome to the North Fork

Now we are having a really normal winter. Snowpack is 100% of normal. Lynn Ogle is getting tired of blowing snow and once in a while there is a hint of spring. Must almost be March. The NFLA welcome committee has spent many hours preparing a new “Welcome to the North Fork” brochure which will be mailed to all landowners in the next few weeks. Many thanks to chairperson Gerry Stearns and the rest of the committee.

Not long after that, the spring newsletter will be in the mail.

Again, the work of several dedicated committee members. The newsletter will include the social calendar as well as informational material. It is important to note that everyone is invited to all social events. You do not have to be a member to join in and enjoy these events. They are for the entire community and any visitors that wish to attend.

The winter interlocal will be a zoom event.

Questions have already been forwarded to the agencies. If you wish to participate, call the Walkers at 407-2791.

Hopefully, I will be able to report on the meeting in this column.

Also, the Land Use Advisory Committee will meet at Sondreson Hall in early March to hear the report of the subcommittee investigating the need for text amendments to the North Fork Plan. Call the Flathead County Planning Office for details. Final newsy item: North Valley Search and Rescue held an all-day training session last Saturday on Trail Creek. Training included a mock search and rescue with injuries, followed by a debriefing.

Thanks to Justin and Brittany Ogle for (again) being victims, and Erick Balch for providing drama.

The training included a core of long-time, experienced search and rescue members and a good strong group of young new members.

North Valley Search and Rescue has been providing free service to the North Fork and Flathead County since 1970.

Technology has vastly increased search and rescue capabilities, notably thanks to additions like Two Bear helicopters, GPS capabilities and, most impressive to me, the new high-powered snowmobiles.

They can almost climb a tree and are manned by young people with tons of skill and experience. There are also a few grandparents, male and female, who are no slouches either.

North Valley Search and Rescue is one of the best, most experienced search and rescue units in the country. They train, show up in the worst weather, and take time off work just to serve their community as unpaid volunteers. We are lucky to have them.

What do you think?

Larry Wilsons North Fork Views appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.