Is it time for conservation bond?

Inter Lake editorial

Flathead County commissioners again are being asked to let voters decide whether to fund a bond issue to pay for land and water conservation.

The same request made it to the county commissioners four years ago but was rejected. On Thursday the commissioners (with a slightly different cast of characters) will consider putting a $10 million bond request on the November ballot.

Initial indications are that the proposal might get a warmer reception from the commissioners this time.

The benefits of a conservation fund are many: protecting streams, rivers and lakes, preserving farm and ranch land, maintaining open space, conserving wildlife habitat and keeping access to recreational areas.

Preserving open space in the Flathead Valley is a laudable goal. The prime question will be whether we can afford it.

There are many other competing financial requests coming either this year or in future years: proposals for a new combined 911 center, revamped county jail, new county library, even county roads.

All those add up to a considerable impact on taxpayers' pockets.

Ultimately the question of county-supported conservation work is one that voters will have to decide for themselves if the measure is put on the ballot.

The cherries are fat, juicy and sweet. Summertime in the Flathead, and the living is easy!

All right, there was an untimely rain last week, which led to some problems with split cherries (the moisture overfills the ripe cherries, and they burst), but overall the quality of the harvest appears to be as good as any in years.

It's also the latest harvest in many years, so growers will be able to get a good price for whatever they can bring down off the trees. That's good news for an industry that is subject to a variety of woes.

But the good news for the rest of us is just plain delight - you really can't beat a sweet cherry for refreshing relief at the end of July. Enjoy!