Beaver Creek Park cross fence debated

The Hill County Park Board discussed the possibility of putting up a cross fence in the southern part of Beaver Creek Park to reduce overgrazing in the southern pasture at their monthly meeting, where they received a petition from grazers in the area, most of whom oppose the fence.

Keith Raty, one of the ranchers in that area, said of the six ranchers that graze that area, five had either signed the petition or had announced their intention to.

The petition said the ranchers do not believe the fence would do anything except create conflict between recreationalists, grazers and property owners in the area, and that more watering facilities would be more effective for addressing the overgrazing issue.

Later in the meeting when the topic was brought up for discussion amongst the board, Park Superintendent Chad Edgar said the grazing committee had voted 7-1 to recommend the installation of the fence.

Edgar said the reason the fence is being considered is because weather tends to push cattle into the southern part of the park and when they stay there, they overgraze the area, which can have serious negative effects on the long-term health of the park.

Board member Lou Hagener said it’s clear that they have to do something to address the overgrazing issue, but there are alternatives to a fence that he thinks should be explored a bit more, presenting a spreadsheet of other things the board might consider and what effect the alternatives would have on things like park revenue, soil health, stocking rates, etc.

He said members of the grazing committee have brought up that they need to look at how the land is being managed more broadly, and he agrees, especially since the efficacy of the fence will depend heavily on how it will be used.

Hill County Commission Chair Diane McLean, who is also a member of the board, said she thinks it would be premature to vote on the matter at this time given the fact that alternative approaches could be considered.

Hill County Commissioner Mark Peterson, another board member, suggested that the grazing committee sit down with the people who signed the petition so both sides can hear what the other has to say, and Edgar said that is certainly something they can set up.

Cabin owner Jody Bachini asked when the public would have an opportunity to voice their opinion on the matter, and Edgar said anyone is free to express their opinion when the board takes public comments, something they do at every meeting.

The matter of the southern cross fence has been discussed by the board and the committee off and on for more than three years.

Bachini said the park is meant for the people of the county and dividing the park with fences for the sake of ranchers is antithetical to that.

Edgar said the primary goal isn’t the convenience of the ranchers, but management of the park’s natural resources.

He said grazing on the park has beneficial effects for the local environment and making sure that grazing is done effectively benefits everyone.

Peterson echoed these sentiments and said he’d love to hear about any viable alternatives.

During the meeting the board also passed a number of grazing allotment transfers, which prompted a discussion of some possible modifications to their rules and regulations.

Hagener said the transfers they’re discussing involve someone applying for the allotment of a now-deceased family member, and he thinks they should make it clear in their policies that such requests must be submitted within a certain amount of time after the family member’s death.

He said he doesn’t want there to be a situation where someone is under the impression that they are eligible for an allotment when they’re not, which has happened in the past, so he thinks they need to lay out requirements in their rules and regulations.

McLean said it took the board a number of meetings just to draw up an application for such transfers, so they shouldn’t be criticizing these transfer requests.

Hagener said he wasn’t criticizing these transfers specifically, just that they bring up a potential issue he thinks the board should be heading off in the future.

He said he thinks people should be more aware of the rules and regulations in general but he’s not sure how to accomplish that.

The board also discussed recent efforts to raise money to replace the Camp Kiwanis Beaver Lodge.

Tonight’s ballot has a measure on it asking voters whether they support a raise in taxes to pay for the replacement of the lodge, which has deteriorated over the years and become financially infeasible to repair or renovate.

Hagener said regardless of whether the measure passes or not he would like to look into other ways to raise money for the replacement and he’d like to put together a group to brainstorm.

Board member Ursula Brese, also a member of Friends of Beaver Creek Park, said their recent raffle supporting the lodge replacement made about $6,400.

She said the friends are now focusing on replenishing the ranks of their board, including looking for a new treasurer.

Havre Trails President Lindsey Brandt-Bennett said the Brough Coulee trail is finally complete, but they are still waiting on signage.

Edgar also gave a general update on park conditions and usage at the meeting.

He said usage is slow for obvious reasons, but the recent moisture has benefited the park conditions before the ground froze.

He said there are 1,581 head of cattle left on the park, but sadly the last month saw four killed in car-cow crashes, all of which were hit and runs.

Edgar said park staff are working on some last-minute winter preparations.

Peterson also talked about some devices being installed in the Beaver Creek Reservoir that will allow people to check the water level, as well as inflow and outflow on the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.