Calling young hunters

Calling all youth sportsfolk! The Madisonian team is crafting our Winter Edition of The Loop and we want to hear your voices! As big game hunting season begins, we’re challenging youth ages 12-18 to write about something you love.

Grab your camo, your orange and your favorite hunting buddy brought the Shadow Ridge Subdivision Preliminary Plat to MCBC for approval. The development entails fifty-five lots totaling 76.4 acres, and four open space lots totaling 71.54 acres. Individual wells and septic systems are proposed for each lot. Historically, the land was native rangeland that was previously approved for development in 2007, but had since expired. New developers applied and were approved earlier in the year. MCPB ‘approved with recommendations’. Impact on wildlife was a concern at the public hearing but developers stated, “There is enough room for wildlife…in their opinion.” Health and safety/ fire safety, density, and the traffic study were also contested but deemed adequate. There are two routes in and out.

Developers of Shadow Ridge agree with all conditions outlined by MCPB, except the one requiring them to pave the roads. Pavement was recommended due to the density of the one acre lots. MCBC approved the Planning Board’s recommendations, including pavement. Commissioner Heckler explained the importance of not overriding them, as that is their job and their decision. It was suggested that changing that recommendation through the Planning Board may require another public hearing if the developers chose to pursue it.

Representatives from the Big Sky Homeowners’ Association (BSOA) representing over 2,400 homeowners, active for fifty years, were on the agenda to address a development that would be affecting them. BSOA was created to provide public services and covenant compliances. A representative of Lone Moose, a subdivision near the Madison County line, also spoke.

The homeowners organizations laid out their concerns for a new development, Flatiron. Due to its size, the development has a potential to make a large impact in Big Sky. The development is below a dam, which could be dangerous, according to the spokespeople from the HOA and Lone Moose. The HOA’s believe an independent wetlands study and traffic study should be done before Flatiron comes back with a new proposal. A traffic study done by Green Light, commissioned by Lone Moose subdivision, concluded that Lone Moose Road, a two-lane narrow street, would see dramatic increases to traffic volume. The group requested a new traffic study, and though it may not be possible, the HOAs wanted MCBC to be aware of the situation.

Ruby Valley Search and Rescue (RVSR) stated in an update they have procured two more snow machines and are training twenty-four members for medical emergencies. Building and maintenance needs were, however, the reason they were on the agenda. The possibility of combining the mill levy money with rental revenue (two tenants) was discussed. RVSR has paid off their building ahead of time and is still within budget. They were praised for their budget compliance and planning