I would like to thank the Coalition to Protect the Rocky Mountain Front for the time and effort that went into a series of public meetings which were recently held in Great Falls, Helena, Choteau and Augusta. Hundreds of Montanans attended these meetings and had opportunities to ask questions and comment on the proposed Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act. It was an undertaking that should be commended.
The democratic process revolves around an informed public and healthy debate and the members of this coalition are doing the right thing by sharing their draft proposal with a large audience of Montanans. By opening this discussion up to many interested parties, the coalition will produce a higher quality product that will ultimately gain more support in the state. Montanans appreciate the transparency.
Beautiful places have been spoiled forever because we waited to long too protect them. I am amazed at the developments around our state and other states. Developments are not always good, as I learned as a former member of the Cascade County Planning Board. I found that many developments lacked adequate plans for fire protection, weed control, water protection, and other reasons. Making a fast buck is on the developers' menu, not protecting our lands and citizens.
Do we want Montana to be like every other place?
The plan to protect the Rocky Mountain Front doesn't change what is already there. It protects what is already there; so future generations may enjoy a quiet wilderness experience.
Robert D. Nicholson,
Cascade
