(C) Daily Montanan
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We're going to have to start finding solutions together, Montana. – Daily Montanan [1]

['More From Author', 'February', 'Dave Lewis']

Date: 2024-02-01  

As I progress deeper into my eighth decade, I am constantly observing change accelerating around me. One benefit of advanced age is awakening at 2 a.m., to check the weather. Our bathroom is on the north side, second floor so I have a good open view.

We built this house nearly 40 years ago. For most of my life, the sky was black to the north. In the last few years, more lights appeared over the horizon but not too close. During the past couple of years, about 25 beautiful new homes have been built on the property north of us. The major impact is the sudden feeling of living in a village rather than in the country. Big new houses with lots of lights.

I have nodded to some of the people on our suddenly busy road and spoken briefly to a couple. I plan to go around and meet all of them in the Spring.

Our remaining property includes some of the canal which is the life blood of this valley. The remaining agriculture operations south of us depend on the water. The area behind us is very dry and depends on deep wells. I can foresee possible interest in access if a serious drought occurs. That will require a lot of issues to be resolved with the Irrigation District and agriculture interests.

The houses above us generate traffic and property tax revenue from the homeowners. What are possible solutions fair to old time agriculture property owners and new taxpayers?

So, when I look out my north windows while doing my weather check, I start thinking about the challenges of change. We are going to have to start talking to each other and looking for solutions. It is hard to do because everyone will have to give up something.

Hopefully, some young people will step up and get involved. And some old people will accept that Montana is not ever going to be same again.

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[1] Url: https://dailymontanan.com/2024/02/01/were-going-to-have-to-start-finding-solutions-together-montana/

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