By Michael Howell
It is not the first time that the County Commissioners have told landowners along Hughes Creek Road to remove the gate that is blocking public access to the upper portion of the road, but they are hoping it’s the last time.
Following the latest order from District Court Judge Jeffrey Langton confirming their position on the issue, the commissioners instructed the Sheriff to deliver a letter to the owner of the gate demanding that it be removed. If it is not removed within thirty days of the notice, the notice states, the county will remove the gate and charge the expense to the gate’s owner.
Deputy County Attorney Dan Browder said the court had “conclusively and decisively” approved how the commissioners handled the issue when they denied the petition to abandon the road.
The controversial gate has been in place for decades as landowners along the road insisted that it remain closed. A recent effort by the public to open the road to allow access to the Forest Service land above the road brought the issue to a head.
The commissioners are also contact the Bitterroot National Forest to request that signs be placed along the road stating that the road goes through private property.