[MCN] Jocko Valley being attacked by proposed asphalt plant and million cubic yard gravel pit

[Patty A]

Jim,

Thank you for reaching out to us.  I did make a contribution because I do
support the Jocko and want to help fight this disastrous plant.  I also
want to support this effort because of you

You are one of the hero's of our community and I value all that you do to
make Missoula the wonderful community it is.

Thanks again,

Patty

On Fri, Sep 9, 2022 at 9:47 AM Jim Coefield via Missoula-Community-News <
missoula-community-news at bigskynet.org> wrote:

> Howdy folks, been a long time since I’ve written to the list.
>
> *But this issue is dear to me.*
>
> Riverside Contracting has submitted a permit to the Montana Department of
> Environmental Quality to operate an asphalt plant and 1,000,000 cubic yard
> gravel pit in the Jocko Valley, a mile north of Arlee. The proposal would
> see 157 acres of agricultural lands surrounded by small homesteads and
> residences and tribal lands converted to an industrial development churning
> out tons of pollutants, and disrupting wildlife and other environmental,
> social and cultural values — not to mention our lives.
>
> This pit would sit 1/4 mile from my house, and the resulting noise, light
> pollution, and disruption to what all surrounding residents have valued: a
> quiet, tranquil environment filled with birds and wildlife, horse ranches
> and orchards, market gardens and the the Garden of 1,000 Buddhas. The
> Buddha Garden sits 1/2 mile west of the proposed gravel pit, and the
> peaceful beauty and meditative environment would be desecrated..
>
> *So this is a personal plea*.
>
> Over the years I have operated and managed this list serve as a place for
> the Missoula Community to post their issues, jobs and other things —
> supporting all of you in your endeavors. But I’m asking you to realize that
> Missoula’s rapid growth and development is forcing industrial developments
> into surrounding areas. The Jocko Valley lies within the Flathead
> Reservation, just a 15 minute drive north of the Wye intersection of I-90
> and US-93, and has always been a quiet refuge for its residents. But with
> high density suburban housing projects (like the denied Serene Arlee
> Subdivision proposal) to gravel pits and asphalt plants, the Jocko Valley
> has become the newest target for developers.
>
> Many neighbors close to the proposed site have joined together to lead the
> fight against this gravel pit and asphalt plant, seeing it not just for the
> monstrosity it would be, but the foot-in-the-door to a rush of new
> development that would destroy the character and culture of the Jocko
> Valley forever.
>
> *Friends of the Jocko* was incorporated a few months ago as a nonprofit
> to lead the way, as we work to protect all that we, and all other Valley
> residents hold dear.
>
> https://friendsofthejocko.org
>
> I ask that everybody take a look at our website, and learn about his
> issue, and how development is poised to overrun the hidden little valley
> just north of Missoula. And please go to our comments page, and fill out
> some comments to send to the Montana DEQ, which legally has to consider
> your concerns as this proposal works through the permitting process.
>
> Also, we need to raise substantial funds. We have retained Ferguson Law in
> Missoula to represent us, and to protect our rights, and force the State
> into following its laws. We have discovered that the 2021 Montana
> Legislature's HB 599 gutted any remaining, and meaningful environmental
> regulation out of the State’s Opencut Mining Act — and the Gianforte
> Administration's efforts to develop Montana with disregard to our
> Constitutional rights to a clean and healthful environment, right to know
> and to participate in agency decision making— that the Montana DEQ’s
> permitting process has turned into a rubber stamp for industry.
>
> I haven’t asked for this list to contribute any funds to support it for
> several years. I ask instead that you support the work of Friends of the
> Jocko and contribute to their efforts. Sorry for the long winded email, but
> I wanted to bring everybody up do date on this issue, and what I have been
> focusing on. I will, time-t- time put information out letting folks know
> about what we are doing to protect the Jocko Valley, and how you can help.
>
> Jim Coefield
> List Admin, Missoula Community News
> President, Friends of the Jocko
>
> -----------------
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