Environmental reports are required on all proposed subdivisions. These reports consider existing conditions of vegetation and wildlife. They provide recommendations regarding the use and impact of the subdivisions on wildlife, vegetation, refuse and human wildlife interactions. Responsible development considers facts not opinions, does not make assumptions, and is consistent with the regulations of Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and when applicable, Green Mountain Conservation District and The Army Corp of Engineers. Water quality availability and septic proposals must conform to Montana DEQ regulations in the initial proposal.
Engage the Community in Planning As
development brings change to the original vision of a rural landscape,
community members evaluate the consequences and remain stewards of our
rural lands. With responsible development Communities become involved
in a planning process to evaluate the consequences of development,
determine their vision of the future landscape, and create a process
that will guide development consistent with that vision. Preserve Natural Resources and Community Access to Those Resources Natural
resources such as streams, rivers, lakes and unique topographical areas
are community resources that contribute to our rural landscapes and
culture. These resources should be preserved and access permitted
through public rights of way. Without community access these special
natural resources are a walled domain segregated from the local
community. Absorb the Costs of Government Services Agricultural
communities and rural industry are traditionally very self-reliant and
generally do not depend heavily on local government. The cost of
services such as local government administration, police and fire
protection, road maintenance, and schools has historically been minimal
and funded by taxes imposed on agriculture and industries. Rural
communities are accustomed to bad roads and slow emergency services.
Subdivision communities, on the other hand, are dependent on a much
larger degree of public services not required in a sparsely populated
landscape. Property taxes on residential uses are generally inadequate
to meet the increased cost of better roads and services. Preserve Surface and Groundwater Resources Our
rural landscape?s cultural and economic sustainability has always been
dependent on water management. The consequences of development with
regard to water consumption (water rights), the integrity of aquifers,
irrigation systems, hydro power, riparian vegetation, surface and
ground water quality, and erosion must be critically evaluated. In no
case should development diminish the quality of surface or ground water
resources.
Preserve Wildlife Habitat and Migration Corridors The
accessibility of wildlife habitat is one of the defining
characteristics of Sanders County. Few other places enjoy such close
proximity to a variety of species and their habitats. Yet, as growth
occurs, habitats diminish and migration corridors are disrupted. If
wildlife is to be sustained and development to occur, proactive
measures need be taken to identify habitats and migration corridors in
advance of development. With careful planning development can strike a
balance between the economics of land use and the habitat needs of
wildlife.
Preserve the Visual Character of the Rural Landscape Broad
vistas, mountain views, open or forested landscapes, and buildings
clustered together as farmsteads and towns characterize our county. New
development must be conceived to preserve our unique landscape
qualities. Fire wise development also needs to be considered.
Preserve and Promote Agricultural Activity Agricultural
activity - farming, ranching, and forestry - forms much of the open
space and the social, cultural, and economic characteristics that
define the landscape of Sanders County. It is this open space that is
attracting development. Increasing desire by newcomers to live in a
rural landscape and the financial awards of land sales are bringing
about significant land use change. This change does not have to lead to
the demise of agricultural activity with responsible development.
Heron-CRD
Heron Citizens for Responsible Development Heron, Montana
