Here are a few thoughts regarding the recent decision by the Ravalli County Commission to revoke restrictions on building within the flood plain. The definition of flood plain is “those areas that are prone to flooding.” That makes sense. The flood fringe, where the commission will now allow building, is part of and entirely within the flood plain.
After four days of listening to scientists, Fish Wildlife and Parks, Audubon Society, Trout Unlimited, fishing guides and concerned citizens, Commissioner Chilcott stated that the testimony “had no bearing” on his decision.
If this flagrant disregard for our river, our tourist economy, our health, safety and welfare ticks you off, please consider joining the Bitterroot River Protection Association (www.protectourriver.org) whose aim is to keep our river clean and the flood plain functioning.
Also remember this and other actions of this Commission when November 2016 comes around.
I’ll close with an old adage of scientists that study rivers. “Building in the flood plain is like setting up your tent on the highway when no cars are coming.”
Andy Roubik
Corvallis