Terry Ring is the owner of Silver Creek Outfitters, based in Ketchum, for 26 years, an avid fly fisherman and bird hunter.
------------------------------------------------------------
I applaud the "Blaine County 2025" planning process and support the opportunities it provides to consider our hopes for the valley's future, strengthen ties throughout our communities and reaffirm our community character. Using common sense, fairness and open-mindedness, we can create a vision for the valley that will enable our children and grandchildren to enjoy the same wonders we enjoy today—wide open spaces, farming traditions, an abundance of wildlife and a diverse community.
Part of the plan ready for public review focuses on setting land-use priorities that prepare us for the significant population growth over the next two decades. In a nutshell, I believe the ordinances are designed to promote growth in the cities while shielding our family farmland, free-flowing rivers, wildlife habitat and beautiful mountainsides from such growth.
My hope is that Blaine County's new ordinances will:
· Safeguard our clean air and water and our healthy soil.
· Protect our area's fish and wildlife.
· Preserve the family farming traditions in the South Valley.
· Encourage healthy communities where people can afford to live close to their jobs.
· Foster growth that is near existing emergency services.
My further hope is that everyone will recognize the importance and vulnerability of our farmers and ranchers in the Bellevue Triangle. Without realistic alternatives to selling their land for residential development, there is a higher likelihood these sensitive, important areas will be converted to non-agricultural uses. It's easy to demonstrate the monetary advantages of developing open space; but we must help our decision makers understand the trade-offs so they can find a fair balance between "hard cash" development interests and the economic, social and environmental benefits of conservation.
The "Blaine County 2025" planning process reveals strong public commitment to implementing open-space planning tools before priority lands are developed. We need to fortify this commitment with our vocal support during the upcoming hearings. If we do not act now, we risk having to explain to the next generation why—back then—we did not take action to preserve the things we care so much about. Seize this opportunity to participate now—the chance may not come again.
I encourage each of us to insist that new ordinances balance our communities' future growth and development with the protection of its natural lands, rivers, wildlife and farming, and with the creation of communities that are fair, diverse and full of opportunities. Please participate in the upcoming public meetings and voice your ideas about the future of our valley.
