In the intervening months since our inception, HCRD has looked at other proposed subdivisions in the Heron area and have made public comment on them. We have been able to effect planning changes to benefit the community and assure proposals meet legal requirements. HCRD neither endorses proposals nor provides official decision making. HCRD has positive working relationships with the county planner, the County Commissioners and DEQ personnel.
Information as of August 28 for the status of the proposed developments is:
The developer for the proposed Beaver Creek Estates subdivision continues to work with the Corps of Engineers to resolve wetland issues for the 20 acre proposed parcels. When this is accomplished there will be another public meeting.
The Tall Pines subdivision has applied to split the largest of its lots. The Commissioners held a public hearing on this proposal and granted preliminary plat approval with conditions.
The Lakes of Heron subdivision is stalled as DEQ completed its determination of significance for the project and the application for determination of non-significance has been denied. The information on water availability has been determined as inadequate and no determination has been made. The developer will need to address all issues raised regarding water before DEQ will continue with the process. The petition to deny the Commissioners preliminary approval has not been made by the courts.
Public meetings for proposed subdivisions are put in the Sander's County ledger for 2 weeks. They will also be posted on this page.
Our goal is to review subdivision proposals for the Heron area, assure the proposals meet legal requirements and bring useful, factual information to public hearings.
Seeding Alfalfa
The impacts considered important for responsible development in the Heron area include:
Minimize inversion layers in winter by not increasing fireplace use
Prevent loss of animal herds due to increased density development
Eliminate disturbance of elk calving grounds by removing forest areas
Maintain grizzly bear corridors
Prevent unsafe road conditions
Minimize increased traffic on structurally deficient bridge
Cultivating the field
Reduce potential groundwater and river contamination from areas adjacent to reservoir
Assure sufficient water availability for proposed subdivision areas
Densities of less than 5 acres are considered incompatible with existing community
Prevent contamination of wetlands
Heron-CRD
Heron Citizens for Responsible Development Heron, Montana
