Survey seeks input on local land use

Lolo National Forest has contracted with Sanders County Community Development (SCCD) and Kaniksu Land Trust to gather ideas from community members for land use improvements for “The Orchard,” a long-abandoned tree farm with a large amount of cleared acreage located north of Thompson Falls.

“We have created a forum for people who want to engage in a civic process and who want to have their voices heard,” SCCD executive director Ray Brown said in a press release. “Residents with a 59873 zip code can give feedback, opinions and ideas on the project.”

The project in question is a 150-acre parcel of land located north of the elementary school and west of Columbia Street. While some may think of this as the Mule Pasture, Brown stresses “The Orchard” is a completely separate area. “Nothing will be changed or modified at the Mule Pasture,” he said. “We know the Mule Pasture is special and we know anytime you start to do new construction there will be concerns. We want to be transparent 100% of the way and right now, we just want to hear further ideas.”

While Lolo National Forest currently has no immediate plans for the parcel of land, Brown says this serves to be an opportunity to brainstorm and share ideas on what land improvements should be considered. “This is important for those who have a 59873 zip code but it is also important for those who live by that property and how they want to see it handled,” he said. “There are around 1,500 people in Thompson Falls and close to 4,000 in 59873. We are hoping to get a couple hundred responses before the survey wraps up.”

Brown says this week and early next week stakeholders will be walking around Thompson Falls handing out flyers and paper surveys for those who don’t want to take the survey online. “Once people have finished the survey, they can call us and we will come and pick it up,” Brown said. “We want to provide as many ways as possible for people to share their input.”

The survey will end August 1 and can be accessed through the QR code on the posters seen around Thompson Falls. The survey can also be taken by visiting http://www.engagemissionwest.com, scrolling down to “ongoing projects” and clicking on the specific project.

For further information or questions email Brown at ray@sanderscounty

cdc.com.