I have seen a number of letters to the editor in support of Proposition 1, the Land, Water and Wildlife tax levy over the past few weeks. And why not? Open space, clean water and wildlife are why we all live here. But please consider the following points before you vote this fall:
More than 80 percent of Blaine County is state and federal land. These lands are not threatened. Now, let's look at the remaining 20 percent of privately owned land in Blaine County. We have a mountain overlay district that prohibits hillside development. This protects our hillsides and view sheds. The Blaine County 2025 ordinances established a 300-foot setback from the Bigwood River. This creates a 600-foot-plus riparian habitat corridor along the river and protects our water.
We also have a wildlife overlay district. This ordinance steers development away from wildlife habitat and migration corridors, so our wildlife is protected. Our productive agricultural lands are zoned A-20 and A-40: one dwelling unit per 20 acres and 1 dwelling unit per 40 acres, respectively. This prohibits five-acre "ranchettes" and preserves our productive agricultural lands.
Finally, the county is asking taxpayers for $3.4 million with no plan of where, when or how to spend it. If we are looking for waterfront property in Blaine County, that $3.4 million will not go very far. Blaine County and its leaders have done a good job in protecting our land, water and wildlife through current regulations. No tax levy required!
David Patrie
Ketchum
