County's river panel takes shape

The Flathead County Commissioners appointed seven of nine members to a fledgling Flathead County River Commission Tuesday.

Its purpose is to study ways to improve water quality in the Flathead River and its tributaries' including erosion and setback matters - and to provide advice to the commissioners.

The committee also would seek grants for water-quality projects.

"This is something that's been needed for a long time, and this is a step in the right direction," Commissioner Dale Lauman said.

Nine people applied for the four public positions that the commissioners were to fill.

"I'd like to be able to appoint everyone on this list," Commissioner Joe Brenneman said.

The commissioners ended up appointing:

n Roy Hutchin, Rusby Seabaugh, Larry Brosten and Cap Ingham to the four commissioner-selected public seats.

n Brenneman to fill the commissioner's slot on the board.

n Mark Siderius to fill the Flathead County Conservation District seat.

n Mark Deleray to fill the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks seat.

The river commission will appoint people to fill the two remaining at-large seats.

No date has been set yet for the board's first meeting.

Brenneman conceived the idea of a river commission last year during controversies over the county upgrading its subdivision regulations, which included river setbacks.

Many riverfront land owners stayed quiet during those hearings and deliberations, Brenneman said, and he thought their input should be tapped.

He also noted the river's effects on the water quality of Flathead Lake - a centerpiece of this area's economy and culture.