Ravalli County Residents Asked to Weigh In on Future of Public Lands

RAVALLI COUNTY, Mont. – Ravalli County is seeking public input as it updates its Natural Resource Management Policy (NRMP), a guiding document that outlines local priorities and concerns regarding the management of public lands. County officials have launched a public feedback survey to gather insights from residents on how federal and state land management decisions impact the local economy, environment, and way of life.

Public lands play a crucial role in Ravalli County, providing recreation opportunities, natural resources, and economic benefits. Federal and state land management decisions can significantly impact industries such as logging, ranching, tourism, and outdoor recreation, as well as environmental concerns like wildfire mitigation, water quality, and wildlife conservation.

By updating its NRMP, Ravalli County aims to ensure that local voices are considered when federal and state agencies make decisions about land use, forest management, and resource allocation.

Survey Details

The public feedback survey asks residents to share their perspectives on a range of topics, including:

• Importance of Resources: Participants rank public land resources such as forests, air and water quality, wildlife, grazing, recreation, and scenic value based on their personal priorities.
• Economic Impact: The survey explores how industries and businesses in Ravalli County rely on public lands, either directly or indirectly.
• Recreational Use: Residents are asked about their participation in hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, motorized recreation, and other activities, as well as how often they engage in them.
• Public Land Management Perceptions: Participants provide feedback on current land management practices, including whether they positively or negatively impact tourism, environmental sustainability, economic stability, and quality of life.
• Wildfire Mitigation: Given the increasing threat of wildfires, the survey asks residents for their opinions on vegetation management strategies such as fuel reduction, prescribed burns, and forest thinning to protect communities.

How to Participate

Residents can access the public feedback survey here. Registration is required to participate. The survey provides an opportunity for community members to directly influence land use policies that will shape the future of public lands in the county.