Group allegedly fights sprawl with vandalism
A group calling itself Americans Stopping Sprawling Development has taken responsibility for vandalizing three subdivisions in various early stages of construction.
Members of the group are suspected of destroying property in the Bear Hollow subdivision on Montana 35 north of Bigfork, the Tamarack Heights subdivision on Meadow Lake Drive north of Columbia Falls, and the Cedar Pointe Estates subdivision at the southern end of Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls.
All three incidents occurred in the second half of May, according to Flathead County Sheriff's Detective Kirby Adams.
Damage most often included ripped-up survey stakes and spray-painted curbs, sidewalks, roundabout rings, and signs - often painted with the words "stop sprawl."
The damage is extensive enough that at least one developer is considering putting out a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, according to an e-mail - which termed the vandalism "eco-terrorism" - circulating among the real estate community.
The group left a typed, three-page letter at one of the sites.
In it, the group says its goal is to raise "awareness of sprawl among the general populace, especially with respect to the negative impacts it has on our lives, and stopping sprawling developments across the country and the world."
The Montana Department of Justice is investigating whether Americans Stopping Sprawling Development is an actual, legitimate organization and if the group is active in other parts of the country or just the Flathead Valley, Adams said.
Internet searches for "Americans Stopping Sprawling Development" and "ASSD" failed to yield results.
"ASSD is comprised of concerned citizens who feel that sprawling development across the country is detrimental to our country and our species as a whole," the letter read.
The document also included a definition of sprawl, a list of Web sites for further suggested reading and an e-mail address to contact the group for those wishing to get on a mailing list. One page also listed the effects of sprawl on traffic, pollution and schools, the potential for flood damage, and government waste of taxpayer money.
When apprehended, the vandals most likely face felony criminal mischief charges, Adams said.
Anyone with information on the group is encouraged to call the Flathead County Sheriff's Office at (406) 758-5610 or CrimeStoppers at (406) 752-8477. Tips to CrimeStoppers are anonymous and callers could be eligible for a reward.
Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at nledden@dailyinterlake.com