Friends,

When you listed your email address with Gallatin Grassroots Forum, we
promised that we would not send you unnecessary emails. We feel that this in
one of those times that an email is very much warranted, and we hope that
you’ll agree.

You may have read the news concerning the Gallatin County Commissioners’
decision to “shelve” their countywide rural zoning proposal. At this point,
we’re not sure what this means, and we’re not sure that the Commissioners do
either. At the very least, it means that they won’t be moving forward to
enact countywide zoning anytime soon, unless they can be convinced that now,
in fact, is precisely the time to adopt countywide zoning.

At first blush, the Commissioners’ decision is reasonable; they have stated
that, with little development happening right now, there is no need to adopt
their plan. As you may expect, we see it quite differently. The right time
to plan for a flood is during the dry season – not when the floodwaters are
upon you. Likewise, this is *precisely the time* to enact their plan to
manage growth in a way that protects what is most special about the Valley –
before the inevitable flood of development returns.

Gallatin Grassroots Forum believes it is too important for Gallatin County.
The Commissioners’ countywide rural zoning proposal will save millions in
taxpayer dollars, protect rural land values, and safeguard our magnificent
landscape with all that it provides: productive ranches and farms, clean
water, and great wildlife habitat. This proposal is also is vital to our
region’s economic competitive advantage:  it’s our university, our
infrastructure (such as the airport), and yes, our wide-open rural
landscape, that ensures that advantage.

*Please take a minute to read the key points to consider regarding
countywide zoning*. It briefly outlines why this plan should move forward as
scheduled. We have also attached a short fact sheet regarding countywide
zoning.

We will be organizing an effort to make sure that the Commissioners
understand this, and we will need the help of folks like you who care deeply
about the future of our county. It would be very helpful if you could to
call, write, or email the Commissioners regarding this decision and urge
them to forge ahead. They can be reached at 582-3000, 311 West Main, Room
306, Bozeman, MT, 59715, or commiss...@gallatin.mt.gov.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact Gallatin
Grassroots Forum at the number listed below.

Sincerely,

*Gallatin Grassroots Forum*

countywide zoning points to consider.pdf 119K Download

countywide zoning fact sheet.pdf 627K Download