I have been a rancher for 15 years and have seen the changes to our landscape. It is critical that we act now to protect our special places for future generations before it is too late.
On Nov. 4, Blaine County voters will cast their vote at the polls for not only their favorite candidates, but also a number of propositions. I would like to bring your attention to one proposition, Proposition 1, the land, water and wildlife levy.
Proposition 1 will allow us to protect water and land in the Big Wood and Little Wood River valleys now and for future generations.
We are losing open space on working lands to unmanaged growth, and we are losing values that literally define our county. Some of the county's best wildlife habitat, cleanest waters and greatest opportunities for protection of open space are on private working lands. If we want to keep our rural character we have to support funding for protection of these vital lands.
We must protect our county's farm and ranch lands now; the longer we wait the harder and more expensive it will be.
I urge you to vote yes for Proposition 1 to protect our land, water and wildlife.
Gerald Bashaw
Picabo