USACE seeks public input for Libby Dam Master Plan

Submitted by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

 

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, seeks public input for updating the Libby Dam Master Plan which guides land management and development of recreational, natural and cultural resources associated with the dam.

  • What is a Master Plan?
  • A Master Plan is a strategic planned land-use management document that guides the management and development of all project recreational, natural and cultural resources throughout the life of a project.
  • It is developed, updated or revised to cover changing conditions at the project Covers broad management objectives and land classification on project lands whether managed by USACE or others.
  • Ensures compliance with federal law, policy and regulation applicable to environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation management
  • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires public involvement

An open house is scheduled for October 18, 2022, from 4-6 p.m. Mountain Time, where attendees will receive information about the revision, schedule and process, and an opportunity view land-use maps and engage with USACE staff.

Open House Details:  October 18, 2022, 4-6 p.m. MDT Ponderosa Room,952 East Spruce Street, Libby, MT 59923

Key topics to be discussed in the revised Master Plan include revised land use classifications, new natural and recreational resource management objectives, recreation facility needs, and special issues such as invasive species management and threatened and endangered species habitat.

During the 30-day public comment period, from Oct. 18 to Nov. 17, 2022, the public is encouraged to submit ideas and comments regarding management of natural and recreational resources that should be included in the Master Plan.

Comments can be submitted in writing at the scheduled open house, or emailed, or mailed to the address below:

Alana Mesenbrink  Natural Resource Management Branch Chief , USACE Libby Dam, 17877 Hwy 37 Libby, MT 59923

Email: libbydam.masterplan@usace.army.mil

Dreamland Skatepark Progress

Photo Courtesy of Dreamland Skateparks, Troy Montana

Libby Co-op office finds permanent home on
West 5th Street

 

Submitted by Courtney Stone

 

Flathead Electric Cooperative’s Libby office is located at 130 W. 5th St. in the former Lincoln County Credit Union.The office was previously located just north of its current location. Pacific Power, which the Co-op bought in 1998, built the original office in 1958.  The move to the current location occurred in Spring 2020. At that time, the Co-op planned to extensively remodel the original office and temporarily house staff in the old credit union.

However, as time went on, members in Libby became fond of the “new” office, and comfortable with the location change.  At the same time, construction planning revealed that the original Co-op office would be very difficult to remodel, in part because it contains asbestos.  As a result, the Co-op decided to continue improving the “new” location instead of remodeling or building a new office.

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Troy’s Apple Festival 2022, Another Successful Year

By Katie McCahan

 

The Apple Festival was held on Friday, September 30 on the lawn of Troy’s historic museum.

Jay Snow and the Tone Keepers played some lively music to accompany the many who partook in the boisterous community event.

There were baked goods, knitted wears, honey, and much more up for sale across a mosaic of colorful booths and cheery vendors.

The event started 7 years ago from the efforts of Kris Boyd and Shawna Kelsey.

Shawna shared that “it was designed as a bear aware fair combined with food and festivities as a way to encourage folks to glean their fruit trees to make pies and cider. This then makes their properties less enticing to bears and gives them something delicious in return!”

The tradition continues, as many put the apple press to work while cranking their fruit into cider.

The pie contest was held, with some scrumptious goods competing for the prize. The final vote was cast, and Karen Nalley took first place, with a pie made from apples she harvested from her own yard. Wilme Noble was a close second, with another lovely baked display, and Styrk Storkson won best pie for the Junior category.

Congratulations, and thank you to all participants who dared to enter!

Many local businesses were present at the festival including Pink Bench Distillery, who whisked up some mocktail beverages for the crowds. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and Yaak Valley Forest Council distributed information about bear safety in this time of high bear activity.

A big thanks to those who helped coordinate, especially Melissa Cleek, who, with the help of the farmers market board members, did most of the work to put this year’s festival on.

The Apple Festival was a real treat to attend for all, and we hope to see you next year!

  

The Apple Festival, held on Friday September 30. Photo by katie McCahan, The Montanian.