Canyon community on right track

A crowd of Badrock Canyon residents wants to clean up the community's image.

The Canyon had a spot of trouble last summer, when Fourth of July celebrators combined alcohol and fireworks in a dangerous cocktail that kept law-enforcement and ambulance personnel on edge.

When Sheriff Jim Dupont decided there would be no encore this year, dozens of residents agreed and offered to help however they can. That is just the kind of positive approach that will win the Canyon respect and new friends.

But let's face it: The Canyon's tarnished reputation comes partly from residents from neighboring towns who see it as a kind of Old West, without bounds of civility, where they can do what they wouldn't do in their own neighborhoods. On the Fourth of July, rockets were launched at vehicles and people, drunkenness replaced sound judgment, a gas station shut down because of the danger, and people who came out to enjoy a holiday were driven out of parks and recreation areas because of troublemakers who ruined it for others.

Last week, at a community meeting, about 60 people turned out to talk about preventing that kind of melee this year.

"Give me a badge. I'll be there," one resident said.

Dupont promised more law enforcement this year and not the kind that passes through in a cameo patrol-car appearance.

"We'll be in the crowd, around the crowd, under the crowd," he said.

Residents urged one another to call for authorities if they see criminal misbehavior.

And they took it further.

Studies have shown that violent crime is more likely to occur in areas that look run-down and uncared for.

"It's all about community," said Jim Sullivan. He and others have worked hard to remove abandoned vehicles, trash and other eyesores in Badrock Canyon.

In addition, youths develop an appreciation for their community if they see adults taking it seriously and working to improve it, residents said. The best solution is to involve young residents in community clean-up days, using an investment of labor for a dividend of pride and protectiveness.

"It's gratifying to see what happens" when residents work together, Sullivan said.

The Canyon is on track. With the support of law enforcement and neighbors, it can brush off its reputation as the outlaw lands of the Flathead Valley. The Canyon could - and should - be proud of itself.