Over the course of the months that we (BHHE, IPPC and other IP residents) have been opposing the Targhee Pass Project issue we have encountered controversy and opposition, which is to be expected. Regardless of which side you stand, passion is evident. There is nothing wrong with that. There are a few persons within the Big Horn Hills Estates subdivision that are in favor of the potential overpasses and subsequent fencing that will surround their (and our) homes. They have every right to their thoughts and opinions as well. But as a whole, the residents and property owners are firm in their stance against the adverse impacts the fencing will present. As a board, our property owners association voted unanimously to stand against this project and elected my husband to represent the subdivision. We view the world realistically, not through rose-colored glasses. We know that this project involves a multitude of huge issues and potential impacts.
Our local, county, and state elected officials are working hard for the preservation of this county. They support our subdivision and the multitudes of Island Park residents that do not want to see the desecration of this county that these projects will surely bring, as was evident from the meeting held last Saturday at the EMS building, in which an estimated 118-125 people attended. Targhee Pass is only the first step in the push to build wildlife overpasses and fencing for the whole of Hwy 20 from the Montana border to the top of Ashton Hill as well as from the 87 junction to the Montana border. (Please ask for a copy of the February 22, 2018, edition of the Island Park News if there is still doubt). As you may be aware, the commissioners, sheriff and mayor of Island Park also recently presented an alternative to ITD to no avail in regards to the reduction of speed, especially in the Targhee Pass. We greatly appreciate the efforts they have gone to. Just as there are a few within the BHHE subdivision, you are mostly likely aware of a few more individuals within the Island Park area pushing the wildlife agenda. We have apparently touched a nerve with a few of them. It was recently brought to our attention that a commissioner received a phone call from someone claiming to live within the Big Horn Hills Estates subdivision. She wanted to point out that she was opposed and she couldn't understand his stance against the project. (Please note that we have never claimed otherwise and those few individuals are welcome to speak out). She was even kind enough to leave her name. The issue I have is that she lied. In the issue of privacy and concern for her well being, I will not disclose any information other than that I recognized her name immediately as one who is very vocal in her support of the wildlife overpasses and fencing. We responded to the commissioner that she does not live in BHHE or own property within the subdivision. I do believe; however, that she very well could live near an area that may eventually also be surrounded by fencing. Everyone here has the right to their own opinion and are free to share it; in fact, I encourage it. We live in a country that supports free speech; I have begun to value this freedom even higher now that we are faced with the issue of the infringement on our property rights through this environmental fight being imposed upon us. If you do not agree with the opposition you have every right to speak your piece; but doing so in an honest and open way and with integrity will stand to go a lot further in dealing with the issues versus dishonesty. Tactics that do not lend to honest discussion and dialogue are a direct reflection of the person or group that is behind them. Connie Kincheloe Property Owner, Big Horn Hills Estates Reprinted with permission from IP News
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Making Sense of It All
This blog will help you make sense out of all the information on the website, how it affects IP, our history, and how efforts continue to put IP into various forms of conservation status. Archives
May 2023
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