[MCN] Act Now to Protect Farmland

[CFAC INFO]

* * * ALERT * * *

CONSERVING FARMLAND IN MISSOULA COUNTY

ACT NOW!

 If you care about farmland and the future of Missoula's local food economy, NOW is the time to act.  The County has released draft regulations.  Be part of the solution and help get these passed and improved!  Speak up for farms.  


On August 14, 2015, the Missoula County Community and Planning Services (CAPS) released draft subdivision regulations to address impacts on agriculture and agricultural water.  These are available at: http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/mccaps/CurrentPlanningPermitting/SRRP/Docs/Ag/9.1.15%20AgDraft-CoverLtrAllDocs.pdf <http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/mccaps/CurrentPlanningPermitting/SRRP/Docs/Ag/9.1.15%20AgDraft-CoverLtrAllDocs.pdf>
                                                                                                                

SAVE THESE DATES!  LEARN MORE AND MAKE INFORMED PUBLIC COMMENT.

Sunday, August 23. Forum on Farmland, at 6 PM, Ten Spoon Vineyard, sponsored by the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition (CFAC).  Learn why farmland must be protected at the point of subdivision, and about the current draft regulations, public process, and how you can get involved. 


Tuesday, September 1.  Public Hearing at Planning Board.  Show your support for protecting farm and ranchlands for future generations.  The hearing will be on draft regulations (see link above).  

Make your voice heard:  Testify or submit comments to CAPS, 200 W. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802 or submitted electronically to mailto:CAPS at co.missoula.mt.us <mailto:CAPS at co.missoula.mt.us> with the subject line Ag Comment.  Comments received by August 26 will be incorporated into the staff’s oral report to the Planning Board. 


 

Why Protect Working Farms and Ranchlands

˜  Well-managed agricultural lands preserve water quality.  Conserving farmland helps to protect drinking water, as well as our treasured rivers, streams, and lakes.

˜  Farmland is a finite resource.  Less than 8% of Missoula County’s soils are ideal for crops or livestock, and much of that has already been developed.  The Natural Resources Conservation Services estimates that 80% of the County’s best agricultural lands have been subdivided into parcel sizes under 40 acres (see Section 2).

˜  Our community food security is rooted in the land.   We need to plan ahead for limited oil supplies, global and local population increases, and climate change.  Fifty years from now, we will still need farms to grow our food.

˜  A deep connection to the land is part of our collective identity.  We depend on working farms and ranches for sustenance and for our shared a sense of place.

˜  Cultural, social and historical values are embedded in working farms and ranches.  They are the roots of our heritage and vital to our legacy.

˜  Local markets provide economic development opportunities for locally produced foods.  A growing number of consumers want to know where their food comes from and recognize that local food is usually fresher and tastier.

˜  Working farms and ranches provide essential ecosystem services—such as flood control, ground water recharge, open space, and wildlife habitat.

˜  The open and working countryside contributes to cherished cultural amenities like farmers’ markets, vibrant downtowns, colorful restaurants, and beautiful views, which in turn fuel a growing economy and robust real estate sector.

˜  Farms and ranches generate more in tax revenue than they require for government services.  According to the American Farmland Trust, on average, for every incoming dollar, residential land costs local governments $1.19 in services, while farm and ranchlands require just $0.39. 
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