The Capp Family proposal to swap 3.6 acres (plus 1.2 acres along the Eastside highway) is a very bad idea and certainly not in the best interests of the community of Stevensville. If the exchange is made, Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) will provide a paved parking area, a vault toilet and road improvements. The launching site is deemed sufficient as it is. Those amenities do not fulfill the vision many Civic Club members have had of an enhanced day use area, and help with security and maintenance. Nor did they envision losing 8.5 acres of prime river front property.
As to my knowledge, there are still critical facts missing before a decision is made. First and foremost is the legal issue concerning the requirement that any exchange must be for equivalent value. Has there been a legal opinion? Has the Park Board or the Council seen a copy of the plat and (original) survey of the road? The boundaries have never been staked so the community can assess the land to be exchanged. The flood plain boundaries are also critical information.
Several viable alternatives have been offered. A town resident recently offered to purchase the 3.6 acres and donate it to the town. Mr. Capp is not interested in considering any other options than the one he has offered.
Other alternatives have been offered that should be taken seriously by both the Council and the FWP. Perhaps the two County Commissioners, our Senator and other elected officials who attended the field trip, could represent all the citizens by helping with the investigation of alternatives.
The main argument for the exchange, that access to the river would be lost, is simply not true. Access to the river for fishing and other water based recreation is assured by state law. The landowner can restrict the launching of boats if he chooses, but we should not succumb to that threat and lose other valuable public park and river front land. The Fort Owen Ranch is for sale and perhaps there will be a future opportunity for negotiation.
I readily acknowledge the launch site is economically important to outfitters and the business community. However, I fail to accept the only solution offered pits those economic interests against those of us who also value this community asset. Rather I believe we should slow down, bring all stakeholders to the table, and collaboratively seek a solution where everyone wins.
In three previous meetings, the Council and the Park Board have heard from many who use all of the park, and those who have worked since it was dedicated to maintain it for all community uses. The majority were not in favor of the exchange. Accepting the proposed land exchange cannot be justified as in the interests of the community of Stevensville or the valley.
I sincerely hope the Town Council has the wisdom, foresight and courage to reject the Capp proposal.
Darlene Grove
Stevensville