Interlocal coming up

On Feb. 9 the North Fork will gather for the Winter Interlocal. As always, the meeting will feature speakers from County, State and Federal agencies that have management responsibilities on the North Fork. Also speaking will be the private landowner groups and there will be opportunities for the general public to ask questions.

Originally the Summer Interlocal was held for private landowners to express their concerns with the government agencies. At that time hunting regulations, fishing regulations and the Road were the biggest concerns and, of course, grizzly bears.

The Winter Interlocal was designed for the management agencies to address their concerns with the private sector. The main problem the agencies had was lack of money and the need to represent all of the public, not just the special needs or wants of the North Fork Community.

When the Interlocals were first organized they were a major breakthrough in sharing information. We got to know each other as people and that we all had a legitimate stake in the North Fork and the management problems of this special place.

Over time the meetings have become more of a verbal exchange than a problem solver, but I still think they are important. We still get to know each other and at least hear the problems others have. And, of course, many problems still remain – wildlife management, and the Road, plus the newest problem – more and more people. It looks as if more people will become the biggest problem of all as humans affect all wildlife management decisions and the condition of the Road.

As stated in the start of this column, the Interlocal will be held on February 9, this meeting will be hosted by Glacier Park and will be held at Park Headquarters in their community building from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. I’m sure we will hear about the latest in road maintenance, fire management and the latest excuses from Park and Forest officials on why the inside road won’t be open and recent delays in the new River Plan and the Flap grant.

Maybe we will get to meet a new bear expert since Tim Manley has retired and I know Tim Thier’s replacement is on board. I don’t know if Diane Boyd’s position will be filled since she retired, but we may get some results from the latest hunting season and the new wolf regulations.

Plus, the Park usually provides doughnuts and coffee at the winter meetings.