Learn More About the Economic Impacts of Streamside Setbacks:NewWest.Net Article: The Skinny on Streamside Setbacks (2.25.08) University of Wisconsin: Analysis of Zoning to Protect Lakefront Amenities (21 pp.) Cleveland State University: Hedonic Analysis of Riparian/Wetland Setbacks (43 pp.) Citizens for a Better Flathead: Compiled Research (3 pp.)
Goal: Deliver tools for river-sensitive growth and land-use practices.
Background: Growth has become the new mining in the Clark Fork basin in terms of the most pressing threat to the watershed. New subdivisions in fast-growing western Montana valleys leads to “death by a thousand cuts”—unchecked, poorly-designed, poorly-situated growth damages water quality and quantity, paves over wildlife habitat, and diminishes the Montana way of life. Fortunately, there is opportunity for positive, proactive impact. In 2008 the Coalition will protect river corridors by supporting statewide initiatives and spearheading local efforts to protect our irreplaceable rivers and streams.
Objective 1: Develop and promote local policies that deliver high-quality growth to value and protect Montana’s irreplaceable rivers, lakes, and streams. Projects include: a campaign to adopt streamside protections in Missoula, Ravalli, Flathead Counties and supporting local processes for new zonings and transportation plans.
Objective 2: Change or amend state laws and policies to protect the basin’s waterways and promote river-sensitive growth and development. Projects include: adopting statewide minimum setbacks for rivers and major tributaries, lobbying for legislative changes to laws that inadvertently encourages sprawl and could lead to serious water shortage problems, and tightening permit procedures for open cut gravel mines. Learn more about how septic systems impact our waters by reading this 2005 report by the Tri-State Water Quality Council:Septic Systems Impact on Surface Waters: A Review for the Inland Northwest (4.9 MB, 32 pp.)
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RiverSmart Growth 
