Commissioner J.R. Iman told the Bitterroot Star that Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Dave Bull had informed the county that an investigation was being conducted into the possible theft of some timber related to the right-of-way clearing that took place over the winter along the West Fork Road.

The road is a state highway passing through Forrest Service and private land but the County does the maintenance of the right-of-way. County crews have been working, removing trees from the right-of-way, in the same area where Rural Electric Cooperative crews have also been clearing their power line right-of-way over the winter months.

Commissioner Iman said that some of the clearing work may have transgressed the right-of-way boundaries in some spots. He said he toured the area and saw some very wide swaths, but couldn’t be sure what was going on because of the REC right-of-way work mixed in, and would wait on the results of the investigation.

Iman said the situation was “pretty complicated. The problem is, if we clear the trees, but the Forest Service owns them, what are we to do but stack them up somewhere and say come and get your trees. If someone else takes them in the meantime, are we to blame?” At this point, he said, partnering on the right-of-way on the West Fork was on hold pending some clarification of ownership and procedures in the partnership.

Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor Dave Bull was on vacation and unable to comment. Other Forest officials would only confirm that an investigation was underway by the law enforcement division of the agency.

Pine tree will probably fall to progress - By Michael Howell

The future of this large, lone pine tree growing along Bowman Road, sporting a large sign that says “Save this Tree! Call your Commissioners,” is looking bleak.

The people have called. Quite a few people have called, according to Commission Chair Carlotta Grandstaff. There was some discussion about it but no decision of any kind was made. She said it was pretty clear, however, that the three men on the commission were all in agreement that the tree should go.

The problem is the tree stands in the roadway.

Commissioner J.R. Iman said that the tree has got to go because it constitutes a hazard to public transportation and stands in the way of a resurfacing project that is going to cost over $100,000 and should be done right. He said that the county paved around the tree the last time work was done on the road, but this time it could not afford to leave such a liability in place.

“It might have been alright when it was a wagon trail,” said Iman, “but now it’s a major collector.” He said the commissioners were just going to have to take the heat on this one.

Back Country Horsemen partner with FS on trail improvements

Forest users once again benefited from the efforts of a group of partners who devoted much of a recent weekend to improving the Rock Creek Trail in honor of National Trails Day. Braving blustery, wet weather, 17 hardy souls volunteered their time and energy on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 6, to improve a large section of the south Lake Como Trail. Rain made working conditions and the five mile round-trip hike a bit challenging, but despite that, trail workers refurbished 18 sections of turnpike (totaling 90 linear feet), cleared and rebuilt water bars, and cut back brush at the west end of the trail near the bridge and waterfall. An additional group of four set up the Back Country Horsemen tent to provide shelter and cooked hot meals for the hungry work crew. A lot of work was completed by these 21 folks who gave of their time and energy so that the public can enjoy a safer recreational experience at Lake Como.

The American Hiking Society established the first Saturday in June as National Trails Day, hoping to inspire the public and trail enthusiasts nationwide to seek out their favorite trails to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects.

Deadline set for Trail Program grants

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials recently announced a new round of funding for two trails grant programs. The application deadline is July 1 for grants from both the Recreational Trails Program and the Off-Highway Vehicle program.

The federal trails grant program FWP administers with oversight by the Federal Highways Administration includes more than $1 million in grants for construction and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized trails in urban and rural settings and a variety of backcountry trail work.

The OHV grants FWP administers are used mainly for trail ranger programs, backcountry trail maintenance, trail-related safety and ethics education training. Eleven applicants received a total of $160,000 for project in the last round of grants.

Information on applying for recreational trails and OHV-related grants is available on the FWP web site at http://www.fwp.mt.gov/ on the Recreation page under Grants.

Nominations sought for Stevi’s top citizens

Creamery Picnic nominations are now being accepted for this year's top Stevensville citizen, business and organization. If you know of an outstanding individual or organization that you would like to nominate, now is your chance. Nominations due no later than July 1. Call, email or write to: Dianne Snedigar, 777-7210, diannes@farmersebank.com or PO Box 264, Stevensville MT 59870.

Stevensville Garden Club plants Native Pollinator Garden

After 12 months of designing and preparing the site, the Forest Service and the Stevensville Garden Club's shared vision of a native plant pollinator garden will became a reality on Monday, June15.

Work to transform the prominent but weed-infested area in front of the Stevensville Ranger District Office began last summer. The Garden Club has invested a great deal of time during the past twelve months researching the needs of pollinators, designing the garden, and securing the top soil, water system and native plants necessary to bring the idea to life. The Bitterroot National Forest supported the project with assistance from District crews and the Forest’s Conservation Education Coordinator, coupled with a $3000 grant made available through the Forest Service Pollinators’ Garden Program.

The Stevensville Ranger District Office is located at 88 Main Street.

Volunteer opportunity

Ravalli County 4-H Advisory Council is looking for an accountant or CPA to handle substantial financial books. Hours vary per season with busiest time being August-November. Pro bono with possible stipend. Contact MSU/Ravalli County Extension Office, 375-6611, by June 30 for more details.

North Valley Library forms building committee

The North Valley Public Library is forming a committee to examine the adequacy of its current three store-front buildings on Main Street in Stevensville. Chris Weatherly, of Bitterroot Woodwright, has agreed to chair the committee, which will include members of the library staff, library board, and wider community. The committee will be seeking input from the public about what the residents of Stevensville would like to see in a new or remodeled library, working with architects to develop a plan, and considering possible sources of funding (which are likely to include donations, grants and bequests). If you are interested in serving on the North Valley Public Library Building Planning committee, or would like more information, call the library at 406-777-5061.

Construction begins on Woodside Pathway

Construction work began Monday, June 15 on the new pedestrian paths in the Corvallis area. The existing Woodside to Corvallis path will be extended approximately 300 ft. east to the intersection with the Eastside Highway. Approximately 1,500 ft. of path will be constructed from the intersection east along both the north and south sides of Willow Creek Road. This project was initiated by the Corvallis Civic Club. Ravalli County has selected Specialty Excavation to perform the work. The project was approved to receive federal Community Transportation Enhancement Program funds.

Golden Agers elect officers

New officers for 2009-2010 were elected at the Golden Age Club business meeting on June 3. Elected were Gene Henderson, President, and Bill Kinderski, Vice President. Evelyn Spoonheim and Betty Hodge were returned to offices of Secretary and Treasurer. The next business meeting is July 1 following a potluck dinner.

County Commission activities

Week of June 1 and 8:

Thursday, June 4:

Approved 5-0 a request from the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce to establish a steering committee to study the feasibility of reviving rail transport through Ravalli County.

Friday, June 5:

Approved 4-0 a request from Darby Mayor Rick Scheele to write a letter of support to Montana’s congressional delegation for a proposal to relocate the Forest Service supervisor’s office to Darby. (Not voting: Iman)

Approved 4-0 two change orders on the Willow Creek pedestrian/bike path project. (Not voting: Iman)

Approved 4-0 to approve the expenditure of $798 for an indigent burial request from Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel. (Not voting: Iman)

Approved 4-0 a sublease of the Hangar Café at the Hamilton Airport. (Not voting: Iman)

Monday, June 8:

Voted 5-0 to execute an agreement with the Montana Department of Transportation to accept the amenities agreement for maintenance of the bike/pedestrian path on three sections of highway 93 north of Victor.

Voted 5-0 to decline an offer from Montana Department of Transportation to accept responsibility for maintenance of east Florence pedestrian bridge.

Tuesday, June 9:

Voted 4-0 to waive the environmental health fee for septic permit at Hamilton airport. (Not voting: Driscoll)

Voted 4-0 to appoint Erik Hoover to the 911 Advisory Committee. (Not voting: Driscoll)

Voted 4-0 to renew Department of Public Health and Human Services contract with Michael Hayes for fiscal year 2010. (Not voting: Iman

--Compiled by Carlotta Grandstaff, Commission Chair

Page One •	Valley News •	Op/Ed •	Sports •	Calendar •	Classifieds •	Legals •	Links •	About Us •	Back Issues •	Email Us •	Home
©2009 Bitterroot Star This site was Done By Dooney