by Bitterroot Conservation District Supervisors: Tommy Dobberstein, Howard Eldredge, Mike Hansen, Dan Kerslake, Jeff Mark (Chair), Kent Myers, Bob Nelson, Todd Reagan, Paul Rosenberg, Chad Sutherlin
The Bitterroot Conservation District is responsible for ensuring the wise use, development, and conservation of the soil and water resources in Ravalli County. The objectives of the Ravalli County Open Lands Program are closely aligned with the BCD’s mandate, and as such we have been in support of the Program since it was first approved by Ravalli County voters in 2006. We have applauded the success of the Open Lands Program in helping to preserve over 10,000 acres of prime agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and riparian areas in Ravalli County, which in so doing has contributed significantly to the conservation of the precious soil and water resources in our district. Looking ahead, as the population in Ravalli County continues to grow and demands on our soil and water resources increase, the Open Lands Program will be increasingly important as a means to protect these irreplaceable resources. We therefore support the continuation of the Open Lands Program and urge you to consider voting YES for the Open Lands Bond Proposal in the November election.
Helen Sabin says
We talked to the Director of the Open Lands program and he gave us many positive points to share about why we should support this program but the most important is this one: The average cost of land today in Ravalli County is about $25-30 thousand an acreor higher but the OL program pays about $760. an acre. That is due to many factors but the bottom line is this: Go VOTE FOR THE OPEN LANDS. VOTE YES and keep The Bitterroot Valley a God given place to live. Keep it OPEN!!