Local efforts pay off for N. Fork

The landmark agreement last week that put the Canadian Flathead Valley off-limits to mining and drilling was a testament to the power of quiet diplomacy between Montana and British Columbia officials.

But it also was the culmination of decades of efforts, started at the grass-roots level, by a host of concerned citizens who didn’t think this relatively untouched valley should be marred by massive mining operations.

From the initial gathering of people 36 years ago in Kalispell, the movement to resist mining proposals gained steam and allies on both sides of the border in ensuing years.

Public concern led to scientific studies and eventually government negotiations to preserve the Canadian Flathead and protect critical waters downstream in Montana.

One scientist summed it up as “compelling science coupled with resolute policy and relentless political pressure.”

And that all came about thanks to the vigilance and determination of regular people who came together for a cause.

WHITEFISH MOUNTAIN Resort and the U.S. Forest Service’s joint decision this week to restrict uphill hikers and skiers on Big Mountain caught many people by surprise. It’s sure to be a big disappointment for die-hard downhill enthusiasts who for years have scaled the mountain after-hours or before and after the ski season to take in a few more turns on the slopes.

We understand that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but this rather abrupt change constitutes a policy change on Forest Service land — public land — without any public input. A public hearing or comment period seems like the least the agency and resort could have done as a measure of community relations if nothing else.

WHEN THERE IS trouble abroad, you can always count on Montanans to do their share to assist those in need. The devastating earthquake in Haiti has been the latest example.

This week, a team of local medical professionals headed for Haiti to provide much needed services at Damien Hospital near Port-au-Prince. The non-denominational Christian-based group was organized by Kally White Wilson and will stay in the devastated community until March 7. The team members are paying their own way to Haiti.

Montana is blessed with a community that wants to share its good fortune, but we are not alone. Such generosity of spirit should be recognized as the very heart and soul of the American experience.