CARBON COUNTY MONTANA
GROWTH POLICY 2015 ADOPTED MARCH 2, 2015 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This growth policy was made possible by the contributions and cooperative input from numerous citizen participants, local stakeholders, county and city staff members, and elected and appointed officials. The project team thanks all those that participated, including the following:
Carbon County Commission John Grewell, District 2, Presiding Officer John Prinkki, District 3 Doug Tucker, District 1
Carbon County Planning Board David Alsager Annette Anderson Kathy Burgener Mike Creeden Pete Critelli Diann Fischer-Larson John Francis Julie Jones, Chair Gene Koch Mike Shara
Growth Policy Prepared By:
CTA ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS CTA Project Team 415 N. Broadway Ave Brent Moore, Project Manager PO Box 268 Anna Claire Davis Red Lodge, MT | 59068 Dave Dixon [email protected] ii CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICYPOLICY ACKNOWLEDGMENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction...... 1 Local Planning History...... 1 Plan Approach and Methods ...... 1 2. Existing Conditions...... 3 Land Use...... 3 Land Ownership...... 3 People...... 8 Housing...... 11 Economy...... 13 Public Services...... 15 Public Facilities...... 20 Natural Resources...... 23 Scenic Resources...... 33 Culture and Tourism ...... 33 3. Public Involvement...... 37 Stakeholder and Public Outreach...... 37 County Field Trip...... 37 Community Outreach...... 37 Plan Website ...... 38 4. Key Issues...... 39 Community and Economic Development...... 39 Tourism and Recreation...... 39 Natural Resources and Environment...... 40 Land Use and Agriculture...... 40 5. Vision...... 41 6. Goals And Objectives...... 43 Goal 1. Land Use and Development...... 43 Goal 2. Water Resources Management...... 45 Goal 3. Financial Management and Public Services...... 46 Goal 4. Cooperation with Other Governments...... 48 Goal 5. Natural and Environmental Resources...... 49 7. Implementation Framework...... 51 Development Regulations...... 54 Subdivision Regulations...... 54 Implementation and Amendment of the Growth Policy...... 58 Application for Growth Policy Amendment...... 59
iii LIST OF FIGURES The Smith Mine Historic District...... 2 Existing Land Use by Acre (MT State Library)...... 3 Existing Land Ownership by Acre (MT State Library)...... 3 Population by Place, 2010 - 2013 (US Census Bureau)...... 8 Urban and Rural Population, 2009 - 2013 (US Census Bureau)...... 8 Carbon County Age and Gender Estimates, 2012 (US Census Bureau)...... 9 Racial Composition Estimates, 2012 (US Census Bureau)...... 9 Race (2012 Estimates)...... 9 School Enrollment, 1990 - 2012, (US Census Bureau)...... 10 Population and Projection 1990 - 2025, (US Census Bureau)...... 10 New Units and Population in Carbon County 1939 - 2010, (US Census Bureau)...... 11 Year Householder Moved Into Unit, Carbon County 1950 - 2010, (US Census Bureau)...... 12 Number of Jobs in Carbon County, 2001 - 2012 (US Census Bureau)...... 13 Economic Sectors, 2012 (US Census Bureau)...... 13 Top County Employers, 2013(MT Dept of Labor and Industry)...... 14 Personal Income, 2010 -2012 (US Census Bureau)...... 14 Average Annual Daily Traffic, Carbon County 1999 - 2011 (MT DOT)...... 20 Highway Construction Projects, 2014 (MT DOT)...... 20 Groundwater and Aquifers (MT Bureau of Mines and Geology)...... 30 Water Well Usage, 2013 (MT Bureau of Mines and Geology)...... 30 Cooney Reservoir...... 30 Implementation Framework...... 51
iv CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY LIST OF MAPS Public and Private Land...... 4 Platted Subdivisions, 2014...... 6 Farms and Agricultural Land, 2012 (US Census of Agriculture)...... 7 Top Origins and Destinations of Carbon County Workers 2011 (US Census Bureau)...... 21 Soils, Carbon County 2003 (NRCS)...... 24 Public and Private Opencut Mining Operations, Carbon County 2014 (Carbon County)...... 25 Bedrock Geology, Carbon County 2003 (NRCS)...... 26 Horizontal Wells in West Carbon County 2014 (MT BOGC)...... 27 Permitted Oil and Gas Wells in Carbon County 2014 (MT BOGC)...... 28 Potential Coal Deposits (MT DNRC)...... 29 Distribution of Groundwater Wells, 2014 (MT Bureau of Mines and Geology)...... 31 Small Ungulates (MT FWP)...... 32 Predatory Megafauna (MT FWP)...... 32 Large Ungulates (MT FWP)...... 32 Upland Birds (MT FWP)...... 32 Annual Average Daily Traffic on Major Corridors, 2011 (MT DOC)...... 34 Registered Historic Resources in Carbon County, 2014 (National Park Service)...... 35
v INTRODUCTION This plan expresses the citizen’s vision for sensible growth and development that preserves and 1 enhances the community’s quality of life and rural character.
This growth policy will provide This plan is intended to be easily have occurred that necessitate as the community’s guiding decision makers with a resource understood by the local citizenry revisions. It is a plan for the document for over twenty for balancing diverse goals and used as an educational tool future focusing primarily on years. When Montana’s state while creating a more vibrant, on the county’s broad land use the physical and economic planning statute was updated sustainable community. It is also issues and opportunities. It aims issues pertinent in our present in 1999, the County followed the voice of local residents and to simplify, clarify, and update economy. This can best be suit by adopting a growth formalizes how they want the previously compiled sections summarized with a quote from policy in 2003 and followed County to grow in the future. only when substantial shifts notable educator and business with an update in 2009. The consultant, Peter Drucker: terms growth policy and comprehensive plan are “Long-range planning sometimes used synonymously does not deal with future This growth policy is: and both represent valuable decisions, but with the future • General and long-range tools for consensus-based of present decisions.” • Enabling for future public policy decisions policy planning and community • Focused on physical and economic development development. Local Planning History • Responsive to the community’s goals and Plan Approach and Methods objectives Carbon County’s first Comprehensive Plan was The first phase of plan adopted in 1978 and operated development involved data
1 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY collection, identifying local corridors and the towns along only gave public officials and The final phase of plan population and housing those routes. These are the consultants invaluable guidance development was publicizing outlooks, and an analysis communities that experience on citizen’s preferences, but the draft growth policy to gather of existing conditions. This the greatest impacts in terms it was also informative for final comments and feedback. included county-wide mapping of traffic and development. The community members. The relative to each plan topic to field survey also represented public came away from these discover trends among the the start of phase two: public discussions with a better various communities. engagement. understanding of the challenges the County faces and vice Towards the end of this initial The second phase of plan versa. The process of gathering discovery phase, consultants development consisted of public together to envision common completed a field survey of input opportunities spread goals and objectives is valuable. the primary transportation across the County. This not
The Smith Mine Historic District near Washoe
INTRODUCTION 2 EXISTING CONDITIONS Carbon County is an amenity-rich community situated along the base of the Beartooth Mountains. 2 Valuable resources exist among its diverse landscape.
Land Use About 41% of the county is Land Ownership Existing Land Ownership by Acre used for agricultural activities, (MT State Library) The majority of land in Carbon All of the land in the county while about 8% is occupied by County (47%) is in public was included in the Crow Owner Approx. Acres farmsteads. Residential land use by the Bureau of Land Reservation until 1877, when Private 696,500 uses account for almost 2%, and Management, State of Montana, a small area around Red US Forest Service 325,600 1.5% of county land is vacant. National Park Service or other Lodge was withdrawn for coal Bureau of Land Industrial and commercial uses 226,150 agencies. Various uses, including development. In 1882 and 1892 Management combine for about 2,300 acres, State of Montana 42,140 livestock grazing, recreation, agreements with the Crow Tribe or about 0.2% of all county land. National Park logging or habitat conservation opened additional lands for 22,300 Service occur on these lands. Existing Land Use (MT State Library) settlement. Carbon County was Commercial, Municipal 730 Residential Industrial & formed in 1895 from portions of Land Use Approx. Acres 2% Vacant US Fish and Wildlife Mining 270 2% Park and Yellowstone counties. Public 617,683 0.2% Service Farmstead Agricultural 537,019 Carbon County 130 8% The lands now in private Farmstead 107,684 ownership passed at one time Residential 22,371 from federal ownership primarily Privately-owned lands in the Vacant 20,218 Public by means of homestead and county are generally situated Industrial 1,631 (Nat’l Forest, Rec. Area) mineral entry. Approximately along the Clarks Fork and Rock Commercial 662 Agriculture 41% 47% Creek Valley bottoms and in Mining Claim 351 53% of the county is privately- the north county. The lands in Utilities 81 owned land. Existing Land Use by Acre 3 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Carbon County MONTANA State Municipal 3% Park Service 0.1% 2% US FWP PublicCarbon Lands County 0.02% MONTANAState Land
Rock Creek BLM Joliet Public LandsMunicipal Land 17% State Land
Five Mile Creek Joliet Rock Creek Municipal Land Existing Land OwnershipPrivate Five Mile Creek Bureau of Land Management Bureau of Land Management 53% Edgar Edgar Forest Service Cooney Dam Cooney Dam Boyd BLM Special Area Boyd State Park Cooney State Park 25% Reservoir BLM Special Area Cooney US Forest Service Reservoir 212 310 National Recreation Area Red Lodge Creek Fromberg IncorporatedUS Forest City Service Bluewater Creek
US Highway 212 Roscoe Roberts Elbow Creek 310 NationalState Highway Recreation Area Red Lodge Creek Local Road Non-Motorized Trail Incorporated City Fromberg78 Luther Bridger Rock Creek Bluewater Creek
Elbow Creek Roscoe Roberts US Highway 72 East Rosebud Creek State Highway Red Lodge Creek East Rosebud Lake Red Lodge Local Road 310 308 Bearcreek CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST Bighorn Canyon Bear Creek Non-MotorizedCrooked Creek TrailNational West Fork Rock Creek Belfry Cottonwood Creek Recreation Area Meeteetsee Sage Creek Spires ACEC
78 CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST 212 Rock Creek Lake Fork Rock Creek Bridger Silvertip Creek Pryor Mountain Luther Wild Horse Range 72
Main Fork Rock Creek Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone
Glacier Lake Public and Private Land (MT State Library)
private ownership are generally in Carbon County. The majority in the southwestern corner 0 direction5 for10 land uses along20 Miles theN
East Rosebud Creek lower in elevation, more level,72 of the land is managed by the of the county. This block of mountain front and wilderness
Red Lodge Creek drier, and have more productive Custer Forest. The Forest Service forest land is high in elevation area includes; grazing, wildlife East Rosebud Lake Red Lodge soils than publicly owned lands. lands are concentrated in two and rugged in character, habitat, water quality, multiple blocks. The largest block is containing a portion of the use, interpretation along the Both the Custer and Gallatin situated to the 310south, west Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Beartooth Scenic Byway, and 308 CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST Bighorn Canyon BearcreekNational Forests manage land Bear Creek and northwest of Red Lodge, Area. Forest Plan management promoting the wild character. National West Fork Rock Creek Recreation Area Belfry Crooked Creek
Meeteetsee Cottonwood Creek
Spires ACEC Sage Creek 4
CUSTER NATIONAL FOREST 212 Lake Fork Rock Creek Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range Silvertip Creek Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone
72 Main Fork Rock Creek
Glacier Lake
0 5 10 20 Miles N The second block of National of the land area – reside outside The county planning board has acres, with the county losing Forest lands are located on the of an incorporated city or town, representation from each of the about 2,300 acres since 2007. southeast flank of the Pryor giving the county a large role five incorporated communities, While this is a small change, the Mountains. The Forest Plan and responsibility in proving the Conservation District, and number of farms has increased guidance on uses for the Pryor government services. A number a member representing each while the average size of farms lands include; grazing, wildlife of communities that once of the three commissioner has decreased. About 77% of habitat, wood products, and existed are no longer inhabited. districts in the county. When land in farms was pastureland recommended wilderness. These communities are listed a subdivision application that Alfalfa and non-alfalfa hay are The Forest Service lands are in the history section of the does not meet the summary the most produced crops in the primarily managed from the county’s 1986 comprehensive review provisions is received county as of 2013 combining for Beartooth Ranger District plan. by the county, the county about 63% of total acres of crops located in Red Lodge. prepares a staff report and the planted. Barley was the third- The dominant development county planning board holds most produced, with 12% of the Land Development Patterns pattern during the previous a public hearing. The planning total. Corn, sugarbeets, winter growth policy update was the Platted subdivisions outside board then makes one of three and spring wheat, dry beans and widespread subdivision of land of incorporated places in the possible recommendations to oats are other major crops, all along Highway 212, largely county cover approximately the commissioners, approve the combining for 19% of the total. between Red Lodge and Joliet. 12,000 acres. The county preliminary plat, approve the While there are fewer large Geographically, the largest contains five incorporated preliminary plat with conditions, subdivisions, an emerging acreage of farmland is near cities and towns (Bearcreek, or deny the preliminary plat. development pattern is the the confluence of Rock Creek Bridger, Fromberg, Joliet, and Exempt subdivisions do not go increasing use of divisions of and the Clark’s Fork of the Red Lodge) with an area of before the Planning Board or land exempt from subdivision Yellowstone. Flat alluvial soils about 2,700 acres. There are County Commissioners and may review. These are typically here provide ideal conditions for also several unincorporated be decided administratively by one- or two-lot subdivisions growing sugarbeets, corn, alfalfa communities including Belfry, the Planning Director. dispersed throughout the and barley. Abundant farmland Boyd, Edgar, Luther, Roberts, county’s sparsely populated Farmland exists along the Clark’s Fork Rockvale, Roscoe, and Silesia. areas. valley, while some alfalfa and Most of the subdivided areas of The amount of land used for non-alfalfa hay is farmed in the the county – approximately 80% farming in 2012 was 791,295 Rock Creek valley. Most of the county is grass and shrubland.
5 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Platted Subdivisions, 2014
Rockvale Platted Subdivisions 421
Joliet
Fromberg Roberts
78 212 Bridger
72 Red Lodge
310 308 Bearcreek Belfry
Livestock and Ranching county’s economy. Carbon Livestock production has of cattle was hit just ten years County ranks 5th in the state for fluctuated over the past 35 before. The climate and topography value of sales of horses, ponies, years, with number of cattle of Carbon County is ideal Sheep and hogs have seen mules, burros and donkeys; 11th seeing the largest swings. Cattle for ranching and livestock a historic decline since the in the state for value of sheep production was at a recent high production, which is a 1970s, with sheep recently goats, wool and mohair; and in 2012 with 72,000 head. A significant component of the experiencing a resurgence 13th in the state for value of historical low of 53,261 head cattle.
6 30,000 Farms and Agricultural Land, 2012 (US Census of Agriculture) 24,173 25,000 23,244
20,000
421 15,000 Joliet Acres Planted 10,000 8,900 6,088 Fromberg 5,000 3,765 3,405 Roberts
0 212 Bridger Corn Alfalfa Barley 78 Other Hay/ Sugarbeets Non-Alfalfa Winter Wheat
72 Red Lodge
308 310 Bearcreek Belfry
25,000 75,000 Sheep 72,073 20,000 70,000 19,863 15,000 65,000 Cattle 53,261 60,000 63,565 10,000 8,312 Head of Livestock Hogs
Head of Cattle 55,000 5,000 4,461 184 50,000 0 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012 1977 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012
7 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY back to 1997 levels (around Age and Gender 8,500 animals). Hog production With a median age of 49.3 in has declined and remained Population by Place, 2010 - 2013 (US Census Bureau) 2013, Carbon County is almost low with only 184 animal ten years older than the rest of 2 ,500 units inventoried in the 2012 the state (39.8 years) and the Agricultural Census. 2,199 RED LODGE US (37.6 years). The county’s 2,000 2,120 median family size of 2.85 also 1,000 reflects the aging population 709 728 BRIDGER People 597 648 JOLIET when compared to the state 500 436 441 FROMBERG Carbon County’s population (2.95), and the country (3.21), Population growth has remained fairly as older families generally 79 81 BEARCREEK stable in recent years despite do not have children in their 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 the national recession and the households. community’s semi-rural locale. The age and gender composition Some cities and towns have is not unlike other rural declined and since stabilized, communities in the state and Urban and Rural Population, 2009 - 2013 (US Census Bureau) while Joliet stands out, seeing country. An aging population almost 9% growth in the last five 6,500 is illustrated in the County’s Unincorporated Areas years. 6,000 population pyramid by a “bulge” Rural and Urban Population between the ages of 45 and 74. 5,500 This is represents the baby boom 5,000 Since the 2009 update, the generation, who typically are 4,500 number of people living in still working or near retirement. Cities and Towns Population 4,000 unincorporated rural areas has When this generation retires, 3,500 increased 18% while the overall there will be a significant population of incorporated change in demand for jobs and 3,000 cities and towns has decreased healthcare. 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 by 8%, although both have seen growth in recent years.
8 A smaller bulge in school- leaving after completing high Racial Composition School Enrollment aged children (ages 5 to19 school or turning 18 as they By 2012 estimates, the most The Montana Office of Public years) indicates a balance in seek employment or education prevalent race in Carbon County Instruction provides enrollment the number of families and a elsewhere in the state or region. is White at 95.7%, with Hispanic numbers for schools in the potential younger workforce for This lack of working-aged youths or Latino the second largest county. Since the 1990s, the county. Conversely, there may indicate job opportunities at about 2%. These figures are total enrollment has steadily is a gap between the ages of or education is lacking in Carbon similar to those found in the declined, with the largest losses 19 and 25, most likely meaning County. 2010 census. American Indian in elementary students. High that the county’s youth are and Alaska Native is third at school student enrollment has 1.1%, which is higher than in increased through the 2000s, Carbon County Age and Gender Estimates, 2012 (US Census Bureau) 2010 but lower than the rest of while many small elementary Males Females the state (6%). and K-12 schools were annexed Under 5 years or became inactive. 5 to 9 years 10 to 14 years Racial Composition Estimates, 2012 (US Population Projections 15 to 19 years Census Bureau) 20 to 24 years The 2009 growth policy 25 to 29 years Race (2012 Estimates) Percent utilized data from the Montana 30 to 34 years White 95.7% 35 to 39 years Department of Commerce’s Hispanic or Latino (of 40 to 44 years 2.0% (MDOC) Census & Economic any race) 45 to 49 years Information Center (CEIC), which 50 to 54 years American Indian and 1.1% projected growth for Montana 55 to 59 years Alaska Native 60 to 64 years counties. The projection was for Asian 0.7% 65 to 69 years Carbon County to gain about Native Hawaiian and 70 to 74 years 0.1% 870 people between 2000 and 75 to 79 years Other Pacific Islander 2010, or a 9% increase. In reality, 80 to 84 years Black or African 85 years and over 0.1% the county added 518 people, or American 200400600 0 200 400 600 grew about 5.5%.
9 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY In 2013, the MDOC provided software from Regional elsewhere in the state makes projection shows an increasing updated population projections Economic Modeling, Inc, project projecting population more population, considering Carbon to the year 2060. The projection the county will lose about 1,000 complex, as it sways migration County’s population has grown for Carbon County (shown as the in the 40-year span, despite patterns within Montana. every year since 1991. These red dashed line at right) shows recent population gain. two contrasting scenarios The blue dashed line on the a steady decline after 2010, with rmake evident the challenge of These projections are highly chart below and right displays the county stabilizing and again predicting future population dependent on natural resource a simpler alternate projection gaining population around 2055. change. development in the county, using a least-squares linear The data, provided by the CEIC which is highly unpredictable. forecast based on the histoical and using dynamic prediction Oil and gas development population since 1990. This
School Enrollment, 1990 - 2012, (US Census Bureau) Population and Projection 1990 - 2025, (US Census Bureau) 2025 2,000 11,177 11,000 Total Enrollment 2012 1,500 10,080 Population Projection 1,357 10,000
1,000 2025 Population Projection 9,348 Elementary
Students (MT DOC) Population K-12 586 9,000 500 418 High School 353
0 8,000 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010
10 Housing Value were constructed. The national moved into their home in the housing boom of the 2000s is 2000s, and 25% moved in during Estimates from 2012 indicate Median home value in Carbon reflected in the 781 new units the 1990s. Twenty-three percent there were 6,424 housing units County in 2012 was estimated built in that decade, however of householders moved in in Carbon County, up from 5,461 at $196,800, higher than the there has been a significant slow before 1989. From 2010 to 2012, in 2005. A Housing Plan was median home value in the down in new home construction 321 new householders moved developed in 2009 to inventory state ($183,000) and the US since 2010. into their Carbon County home. housing stock and to understand ($181,400). Seventy-three The peak migration occurred trends and issues in an effort to percent of housing is owner- Forty-nine occupied housing just after the peak in new unit address needs. Housing trends occupied. In Carbon County, units lacked complete plumbing construction. were driven by migration from over half (55%) of owned facilities, 66 units lacked Clarks Fork valley communities housing units had a mortgage, complete kitchens and 52 units Composition to Red Lodge, Joliet and other with median monthly owner had no telephone service. Of all housing units, 38% were places along the southern costs being $1,180. Many of Carbon County’s three bedroom houses, 29% had Highway 212 corridor. This Median rent in the county was citizens are new residents. Of two bedrooms and 14% had left vacant, underutilized and $700, which is higher than the all current householders, 45% four bedrooms. One bedroom unsound homes in cities and state median ($667) but lower towns in the Clarks Fork valley. than the US ($889). New Units and Population in Carbon County 1939 - 2010, (US Census Bureau) Many of the same issues Age and Condition 12,000 2,500 of housing cost, condition 2,068 n 10,000 atio and supply remain. As the Most of the county’s towns and ul 2,000 op P population grows in every cities developed in the late 19th County 8,000 community in the county, and early 20th century, therefore 1,500 demand for quality and 32% of housing units in the 6,000 1,070
affordable housing will increase. Population county were built before 1939. A 856 781 1,000 small building boom occurred in 4,000 655 The 2012 Census ACS provides 378 the 1970s. The most recent peak 345 500 New Housing Units Built estimates on the value, 2,000 242 building decade was the 1990s condition, supply and ownership 29 when about 1,000 new units 0 0 of housing units. 1939 - 1940 - 1950 - 1960 - 1970 - 1980 - 1990 - 2000 - 2010 - earlier 1949 1959 1969 1979 1989 1999 2009 later
11 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY houses are more prevalent in indicates low density housing Carbon County than the state or and a probable lack of multiple country, while large houses (five family dwellings. bedrooms or more) were slightly Demand less prevalent than the state. One demand calculation uses Carbon County’s homes have the number of households many more cars per house than compared to the number of the state with41% having three housing units to produce an or more vehicles. Statewide this estimate of housing availability figure is 29% and only 20% of or vacancy rate. In 2010, US homes have three or more there were an estimated 4,571 vehicles available. households and an estimated Almost all of the county’s supply of 6,441 units. Of housing units (98.8%) had these, 1,870 units were vacant. one occupant per room. This Seasonal or occasional use accounts for 21% of vacant units Year Householder Moved Into Unit, Carbon County and 2% were rentals. 1950 - 2010, (US Census Bureau) A “household” consists of all the 2,000 1,876 people who occupy a housing unit. The average number of 1,500 persons per household is 2.19, lower than the state average. 1,000 This is likely due to the large percent of seasonal/vacation 500 homes in the county. 174 321 0
1960 - 19691970 - 19791980 - 19891990 - 19992000 - 20092010 or Later
12 Economy being the largest, supporting the professional, financial and Of all workers living in Carbon 19% of all jobs. Recreation management sectors. Since County, almost 70% commute to Sectors and Jobs and hospitality is the second 2001, the agriculture and natural jobs outside the county. About In 2012, the US Bureau of largest (17%), showing the resources sector experienced the 1,260 people are employed in Economic Analysis reported importance of tourism for the greatest reduction, losing 191 Carbon County but live outside there were 5,156 jobs in local economy. Manufacturing, jobs. Retail experienced a 17% the county. The top work Carbon County, down 4.7% wholesale and transportation reduction, losing 90 jobs. With destination for employees living from the recent peak in 2007, is the third largest sector, with 31% growth, the financial and in the county is Billings (27% of but up 3.6% from 2002. The 16% of all jobs. professional sector expanded all jobs), followed by Red Lodge county’s economy is evenly the most, adding 121 jobs. (17%), Laurel (3.4%), Bozeman The economy has been distributed among sectors, with Recreation and hospitality grew (2.6%), and Joliet (2.3%). shifting away from agriculture, management and administration the second most, adding 94 jobs manufacturing and retail into A majority of commuters (64%) (including government services) over the 11-year period. drive alone to work in a car, truck or van. Thirteen percent Number of Jobs in Carbon County, 2001 - 2012 (US Economic Sectors, 2012 carpooled while 9.5% walked Census Bureau) (US Census Bureau) and 1.4% took public transit.
5,408 Education Nine percent of workers 16 (2007) Professional 1% years and older worked at home. 5,400 6% Average commute time was 26 minutes, much longer than the Health Services state average of 18 minutes. 5,200 Management and 5,156 7% Administration Retail 19% Employers 9% Jobs The top private employers in the 5,000 5,029 Financial and Recreation and Professional Hospitality county are as follows (by size 4,968 (2011) 10% 17% class then by alphabetical listing Agriculture and Natural Manufacturing, as provided by the Montana Resources Wholesale, Transportation Department of Labor and 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 15% 16% Industry - 2nd Quarter 2011).
13 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Top County Employers 2013 income into the area. Most Since 2010, personal income An estimated 22% of workers (MT Dept of Labor and Industry) often, these “basic” industries strongly increased for both farm earn between $50,000 and Size bring in revenues by “exporting” and nonfarm categories, with $74,999. Employer Class* products or services. These farm income resurging back into A US Census survey from Beartooth Billings Clinic 6 exports can be manufactured positive figures after seeing net 2012 estimates about 1,500 Red Lodge Mountain Resort 6 goods, financial services, losses. Total personal income households with earnings Pollard Hotel 5 technology services, or any is up 15% while per capita are receiving supplemental Red Lodge Pizza Company 5 other number of activities that personal income increased social assistance of some kind. Rock Creek Resort 5 go far beyond the traditional $4,891 over the two-year period. Bank of Bridger 4 About 17% of households sectors of mining, agriculture, Beartooth Food Farm 4 Median household income with earnings are receiving and forest product industries Beartooth Industries 4 in the county is estimated at retirement income. The county’s that have been referred to Cedar Wood Villa 4 $47,030, slightly higher than unemployment rate for the as the “three-legged stool” Town & Country Supply 4 the state median of $45,456. population 16 years and older is or foundation of Montana’s *Size Class Breakdown: Average household income 2.3%, lower than the state rate economy. In addition to basic Size Class 4 = 20-49 employees; is $59,804, indicating the top of 4.5%, and significantly lower industries, other activities Size Class 5 = 50-99 employees; half of workers are earning the national rate in 2012 (5.9%). such as retirees living off their Size Class 6 = 100-249 employees. disproportionately more than domestic stock portfolios also (Does not include government or tribal bottom half. bring basic income into the area. employers.)
Income and Wages Personal Income, 2010 -2012 (US Census Bureau)
Although employment is an Income Category 2010 2012 % Change important measure of economic Personal Income (Thousands of $340,837 $392,102 15% activity, it does not tell the Dollars) whole story. The health of the Nonfarm Personal Income $341,997 $389,201 14% economy depends upon the Farm Income -$1,160 $2,901 150% Per Capita Personal Income (Dollars) $33,857 $38,718 14% vitality of industries bringing
14 Public Services have general powers. Bridger County administration advises individuals currently certified. has self-governing powers and a the Board of Health. The sheriff also serves as the Local Government charter. County Coroner. The sheriff/ Planning services are The Carbon County government coroner estimates there are Planning and Sanitation funded by a combination of consists of a three-member approximately 50 unattended subdivision review fees, some commission. Each commissioner The Planning and Sanitation deaths per year in the county. state reimbursement, and the represents one of three districts Office was staffed and operated taxpayer supported general The county search and rescue in the county, serves a six- as one department until fund. Grants have been (SAR) program is comprised year term, and is elected by all 2013, when those services obtained for comprehensive entirely of volunteers. Carbon of the electors of the county. were contracted to private planning. The sanitation services County Search and Rescue The commission elects a consultants. are funded by a combination averages roughly 30 calls presiding officer from among Planning services provided by of permit fees, state annually and is working with the their members annually. In the Planning Office include; reimbursement and General ambulance service to integrate addition to the commission, assisting the public and Fund tax revenues. advanced life support medical there are five other elected developers in understanding care into the program. positions; Treasurer/Assessor/ Law Enforcement the rules and regulations, Superintendant of Schools, Funding for the programs under subdivision review, survey The Carbon County Sheriff has Clerk, Sheriff, Clerk of District the sheriff which includes law review, comprehensive planning, responsibility for the county- Court, County Attorney. enforcement, coroner services, floodplain administration wide dispatch system, coroner and search and rescue has Carbon County is home to five and providing support to the duties, and the search and been relatively stable despite incorporated communities. planning board. The sanitation rescue program. The county the increasing demands of a Four of these communities are services provided include; food enforcement staff includes the growing population. classified as towns, Bearcreek, service inspections for the Sheriff, Undersheriff, Lieutenant, Bridger, Fromberg, and Joliet. approximately 300 restaurants, Sargeant, and five deputies. The sheriff’s overarching Red Lodge is a city. All of the tourist homes, bed and Dispatch staff includes the administrative issue is how to municipalities in the county breakfasts, and bars, inspection head dispatcher, five full-time provide services to an increasing have commission-executive of septic system construction and one part-time permanent population under a stable forms of government (mayor and and installation, approving dispatchers. The county has a budget scenario. Rural residents’ council.) Bearcreek and Joliet plans and issuing septic permits. reserve deputy program with 18 expectations for response are
15 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY high, and an increasing number purchase personal protective the 2012 Community Wildfire additional training to the Critical of special promotional events equipment, and the lack of Protection Plan for additional Care Paramedic level. The drawing visitors consume more accurate maps. The number information on the county’s service has between 20 and 50 and more patrol staff time. of new subdivisions and lots significant wildland-urban volunteer emergency medical approved which require fire interface issues. technicians trained to various Fire Protection protection is also a concern. levels. Ambulance The county is divided into nine Delinieating the Wildland Urban Joilet Ambulance covers an area fire districts. From outside the Three ambulance services Interface from north of Roberts to South county, Laurel provides fire cover Carbon County, each White Horse Bench Road, Joliet, protection on the Whitehorse Home construction in or one working in a different Edgar, Silesia, and the Cooney Bench area in the north end near forested areas has been geographical area. Red Lodge Reservoir area. of the county, and Absarokee increasing over the last 30 years. Ambulance is housed in Red provides fire protection for the These areas have been named Lodge at the District VII fire The Clarks Fork Valley Roscoe area. Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). station and covers all of Rural Ambulance covers According to one study, it is Fire District #7 and the southern approximately 750 sq. miles. Funding for the departments estimated WUI covered 9% of portion of Rural Fire District comes from a variety of sources Each of the districts are funded all land area in the U.S. and as #6. The areas covered include including the county, fund by user fees, donations and many as 39% of all structures Red Lodge, Bear Creek, Roberts, raisers, donations, grants, payments in lieu of taxes are in WUI. Wildfires in the WUI Luther and Roscoe. The Red special contracts and wildland totaling $12,000 per year. can provide unique challenges Lodge service also covers fire tours with local apparatus. for firefighters. By delineating Beartooth Pass and Scenic Issues of concern to the the WUI, fire managers and the Highway to the Wyoming border. rural fire chiefs are the tax public can better prepare for The City of Red Lodge employs structure to fund operations these challenges. For instance, four full time firefighter/ and apparatus (new fire trucks structures located in the paramedics who assist the Fire cost approximately $250,000), designated WUI area can have Chief in the administration attracting and retaining home assessments completed of the Fire Department and volunteers, the county radio to help the owner better emergency medical service. system, water supply, funds to understand specific risks. See Some of the paramedics have
16 Disaster and Emergency Services in Billings, also located in Mental health care is provided Beartooth Billings Clinic employs Red Lodge has two general in Red Lodge by two therapists the county’s Public Nurse and is The county has a part-time practitioners, two registered in a satellite office of the Mental situated in the Carbon County Disaster Emergency Services nurses, and administrative staff. Health Center of Billings. One of Public Personal Services Building (DES) Coordinator located in the The Clarks Fork Medical Center, the two therapists works full- in Red Lodge. The nurse also Carbon County Administration located in Bridger is operated time in chemical dependence. visits Bridger, Roberts, and Red building in Red Lodge. The DES by Riverstone Health based The other therapist works one- Lodge. program is funded primarily by in Billings, and staffed by a half to three-quarters time the state. The county has an The State of Montana Quality nurse practitioner, nurse, and in general counseling. An active Local Emergency Planning Assurance Division currently administrative staff. Riverstone estimated 200 cases annually are Committee or LEPC. The county has seven licensed day care also offers a clinic in Joliet. The handled by the two therapists. completed an Emergency operators in the county. Group clinics in Red Lodge regularly Operations Plan in 2004 to There are three nursing home/ facilities can handle up to 12 host visiting specialists from the address earthquakes, hazardous assisted living facilities in children, family facilities can larger area. materials, dam failure/flooding, the county. Cedar Wood Villa handle up to six. There are six national emergency, forest/ Beartooth Billings Clinic, a Nursing home is a 76-bed group facilities located in Joliet, range fire, mass casualty 10-bed facility, is located in home located in Red Lodge. Fromberg, Bridger, Red Lodge, accidents, and volcanic ash. Red Lodge and is affiliated Cedar Wood Villa reports an Red Lodge Mountain and the with Billings Clinic. Beartooth approximate occupancy of Senior Center in Boyd. Health Care and Child Care Billings Clinic also operates the 75%. The Willows constructed a Public Assistance The county has four clinics and Children’s Center in Red Lodge. nursing home near the campus one hospital. The Beartooth The Children’s Center can of the hospital. The Department of Public Health Billings Clinic is located in Red accommodate up to 48 children. and Human Services Office of Senior services are provided Lodge and has three general Public Assistance is located There are two dentists in the by the Belfry Senior Citizens practitioners and four registered in the Carbon County Public county, both located in Red Center, the Golden Age Society nurses. The Beartooth Billings Personal Services Building in Red Lodge. Dental care is also in Bridger, the Joliet XYZ’ers, the Clinic is affiliated with Billings Lodge. The public assistance available in Laurel and Billings. Valley Senior Citizens Center in Clinic Hospital in Billings. The office administers local financial An optometrist from an eye Fromberg, and the Red Lodge/ Mountain View clinic, affiliated assistance programs including clinic in Billings sees patients Roberts Senior Center in Red with St. Vincent’s Healthcare Pathways, Medical Assistance one day per week in Red Lodge. Lodge.
17 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY (Medicaid and medical County Attorney assistance for medically needy), The county attorney is a full- the CHIP program (Childrens’ time elected position located in Health Insurance Program), food Red Lodge. The county attorney stamp eligibility, and the local is elected for a four-year term. food bank. The Office of Public The office is staffed by the Assistance is operated and attorney, a deputy attorney, and funded by the state of Montana. full-time assistant. Additional Library Services legal assistance is contracted as needed. There are three public libraries in the county. They are located in Red Lodge, Bridger, and Joliet. The Carnegie Library in Red Lodge, built in 1919, is operated by the city and staffed by one full-time librarian and one part-time assistant. The Bridger library is located in the historic Bowler schoolhouse and is operated by three part-time employees. The Joliet library, located in the Joliet Community Center, is staffed by a full-time librarian. There is a six-mill countywide levy supporting the libraries. There are no fees for using the libraries in the county.
18 Utilities: Electricity Electric Cooperative provides Qwest and Project Telephone. particularly in rural areas such electricity to the northern end Project Telephone provides as Cooney Reservoir and Roscoe. Electricity is provided to of Carbon County. services to Belfry, Roscoe and New towers may constitute a county residents by the East Rosebud. The rest of the land use change, which requires Beartooth Electric Cooperative, Natural Gas county is served by Qwest. a county development permit. Northwestern Energy (NWE), Northwestern Energy (NWE) Numerous long distance carriers Before a development permit is and the Yellowstone Valley and Montana Dakota Utilities are available for selection by approved, the tower applicant Cooperative. Beartooth provide the natural gas in customers. Bridger, Joliet, must receive all state and Electric serves approximately Carbon County. Natural gas Fromberg, and Red Lodge are federal approvals including 2,450 customers in the county. is not available everywhere. located within the Billings environmental and visual impact Beartooth Electric customers are Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU) local calling area. Calls made assessments. New towers require located outside incorporated provides natural gas to Warren, between these towns, and to state building permits. Concerns communities, and in the Belfry, Bridger, Fromberg, Edgar, Billings, Hardin, Laurel, and have been raised regarding the unincorporated communities of Silesia, Rockvale, and Joliet. Columbus are local. Belfry increased visual impacts near Roscoe, Luther, Roberts, and East and Roscoe are not within the scenic areas. Rosebud. The customer base NWE provides gas to Roberts, Billings local area. of the cooperative has recently Red Lodge, the Roscoe area, Internet been growing by approximately and one ranch in Belfry. NWE AT&T and Verizon provide Internet services and cable 200-250 new users per year. currently produces its own gas cellular services across the are provided by a number of and provides natural gas to county. The digital signals Northwestern Energy provides Billings and national companies. approximately 1900 residential require line of sight technology electricity to Edgar, Fromberg, With the exception of Red and commercial accounts in the and closer tower intervals. Bridger, Belfry, Bear Creek, Lodge, internet providers have county. The utility will extend Red Lodge, Joliet, and a small There has been a large been unwilling to invest in gas service to new customers number of rural customers increase in the construction the infrastructure necessary willing to pay for installation of adjacent to the communities. for cell phone towers that can to provide this service for the infrastructure. The company serves accommodate newer and faster potential number of paying approximately 4200 residential Telephone communication technology. users. and commercial accounts in Several additional towers are the county. Yellowstone Valley Local telephone service in being erected in the county, Carbon County is provided by
19 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Cable Television highway is a major arterial As shown in the table below, have occurred on Highway connecting with a federal traffic has steadily increased on 212/310 from the Yellowstone/ Cable Montana located in Laurel highway. A secondary highway all the county’s state highways Carbon county line to Rockvale. provides cable service to the is a farm-to-market road that since the 1990s. The largest Almost 3,000 more vehicles City of Red Lodge. Bridger and connects to a state highway. increases in average daily flows travel on this route on average Joliet each have local cable every day. Highway 212 between television. Rural areas are not Average Annual Daily Traffic, Carbon County 1999 - 2011 (MDOT) Joliet and Red Lodge has also served by wire services due to Average Daily Average Daily Highway Location seen much higher traffic flows. the infrastructure costs per the Traffic (1999) Traffic (2011) The Beartooth Pass, although number of customers. Many 72 Between Bridger and Belfry 1,400 1,664 only open seasonally, saw a 27% residents in rural areas obtain 78 Between Red Lodge and Roscoe 836 916 Between the Yellowstone/Carbon increase in average daily traffic satellite services. 212/310 5,375 8,282 County line and Rockvale in the twelve-year period. Traffic Public Facilities 212 Between Joliet and Red Lodge 2,193 2,794 on Highways 78 and 308 saw Between Red Lodge and the modest increases of around 10%. Roads and Highways 212 Wyoming line (averaged over 12 755 953 The streets and highways in months) Several highway and county Carbon County are constructed 308 Between Belfry and Red Lodge 889 975 road construction and and maintained by a Between Bridger and the 310 1,314 1,665 improvement projects are combination of municipalities, Wyoming line scheduled over the next the county, the state, the 310 Between Rockvale and Fromberg N/A 3,783 few years. The largest is the Forest Service, the Bureau of reconstruction of US Highway Land Management, and private Highway Construction Projects, 2014 (MDOT) 212/310 between Rockvale and homeowners’ associations. Project Location Construction Dates Laurel. This project consists of a The Montana Department of US Hwy 212/310 Recon- Rockvale to Laurel 2013-2016 or beyond new four-lane divided roadway Transportation (MDT) maintains struction with depressed median with 23.9 miles of state secondary MT Hwy 78 Red Lodge MT Hwy 78 milepost 0 to 2014-2015 a new alignment on the west highway and approximately 153 Northwest milepost 5.1 bench. An overpass at the miles of primary state highway US Hwy 212 and West Fork railroad crossing south of Laurel in the county. A primary West Fork Road Rd intersection to Ski Run 2015-2016 is currently being constructed. Road
20 Top Origins and Destinations of Carbon County Workers 2011 (US Census Bureau) Top 10 Destinations of Workers Other Roads Lodge has an airstrip located 1 Red Lodge LEWIS & CLARK 2 Billings on the west bench above the 3 Lame Deer The Custer National Forest and 4 Ashland city. Aviation fuel is available at 5 Joliet BLM both maintain road systems 6 Roberts Red Lodge. The Red Lodge strip 7 Bridger in the county. The Custer Forest 8 Big Timber is 4,000 feet in length, paved, 9 Laurel SWEETGRASS maintains approximately 300 GALLATIN YELLOWSTONE 10 Fromberg and has a small crosswind 8 STILLWATER 2 miles of roads in Carbon County. 9 3 runway. The present airport no 4 These roads and the roads 5 longer meets Federal Aviation ROSEBUD on BLM lands provide access 6 10 Administration standards and PARK 7 BIG HORN for public and administrative CARBON is ineligible for federal financial 1 uses. There are no roads in the assistance. wilderness area. Top 10 Origins of Workers Billings Bridger has a paved 3,400- LEWIS & CLARK 1 2 Red Lodge New subdivisions often have 7 3 Laurel foot airstrip on the west 4 Bozeman their own internal road systems. 5 Joliet edge of town. This runway 6 Bridger The county does not accept 7 Helena can accommodate large twin Hardin responsibility of new road SWEETGRASS 8 GALLATIN YELLOWSTONE 9 Columbus engine planes. There is no 10 Livingston systems, but requires that STILLWATER 1 8 instrumentation at Bridger. 4 10 9 3 provisions for maintenance of Aviation fuel is not available, nor 5 the roads be in place through ROSEBUD is there a fixed-base operator. 6 an appropriate mechanism such PARK BIG HORN In addition to the two public 2 CARBON as a Homeowners’ Association. airports in Carbon County, there Subdivisions roads must be are approximately 14 private- County Roads the work is done out of three constructed to the appropriate use airstrips primarily used to county shops located in Joliet, county standard to assure safety Carbon County is responsible for support ranching operations. Red Lodge, and Bridger, by a and emergency vehicle access. 900+ miles of roads and bridges. total of 15 full-time employees. Rail Transportation The county recently hired a Air Transportation The county completes one road supervisor to oversee Burlington Northern Santa Fe major bridge replacement There are two public-use the road work for the three (BNSF) operates in the County. approximately every year. airports in Carbon County. Red districts within the county and BNSF owns and maintains 50
21 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY miles of mainline and nine and Joliet have had to institute Most of the rural residents potential for future groundwater miles of yard track in Carbon summer water rationing in the obtain their domestic water contamination associated with County. The rail line runs east months. from individual wells although major subdivisions that may of and parallel to Highway a few obtain water from springs. have 40 or more individual The State Department of 212/310 from Laurel south to the There have been no known septic systems. Revenue and the county junction with Highway 310 then occurrences of contaminated cooperatively assist the rural Belfry, Edgar, and Roberts have on to Bridger. From Bridger the groundwater affecting individual water districts by assessing sewer districts which operate line leaves the river bottom and wells where the wells were users on their property taxes community waste water systems. follows Highway 310 south into properly installed. Although once a year in Edgar, Belfry Wyoming. In any given 24-hour Joliet has submitted a wellhead Fromberg and Bridger are and Roberts. The local districts period, four to six trains cross protection study to the Montana permitted to discharge from handle the collection of the county traveling between DEQ, none of the communities their waster water facilities hook-up fees and other local Laurel and Denver. in the county have approved into the Clarks Forks River administrative issues. wellhead protection plans. while Joliet and Red Lodge are Public Water Systems Water system operators and permitted to discharge into Rock Waste Water Systems The city of Red Lodge, the towns water district board members Creek. Several communities are of Bridger, Joliet, Fromberg, report concerns with meeting Rural residents in the county considering raising base rates, Bearcreek, and the communities a new state requirement for typically have individual septic hook-up charges, or both to of Belfry and Roberts all have having licensed operators, and systems. All systems installed finance needed maintenance public water systems, and all also the day-to-day management since 1968 are required to and improvements. Edgar have adopted hook-up fees. The of protecting the infrastructure. have a county septic permit. reports problems with incorporated municipalities do There are a number of private Most of the rural systems are unauthorized hook-ups. their own administration of the water systems serving standard gravity septic tank and Fromberg is currently under systems such as planning for and subdivisions, campgrounds, and drainfield systems. Some areas an Administrative Order on financing improvements, setting mobile home parks. The owners where groundwater is too high Consent from DEQ and is in the base rates and hook-up fees, of these private systems are or percolation too rapid, special process of planning a major and billing. Red Lodge, Roberts, responsible for testing water systems must be employed. rehabilitation project for their Fromberg, and Joliet meter their quality and submitting results to County residents have recently waste water treatment system in water. Bearcreek, Belfry, Bridger, the state and county sanitarian. raised concerns about the order to meet both current and future regulatory limitations.
22 Solid Waste the City of Red Lodge, and the relationships” (Carbon County alluvium and alluvial terraces. Towns of Bridger, Fromberg, and General Resource Assessment, Montana Bureau of Mines and Solid waste collection for Joliet. All remaining landfills in NRCS, 1999). Detailed surveys Geology maps showing the the entire county is provided Carbon County were closed in completed as recently as 2003 in locations of these formations — by Allied Waste Systems or the 1990s. the NRCS Soil Survey Geographic specifically Quaternary Alluvial MacKenzie Disposal, both Database (SSURGO), the most- Terraces (Qat), Quaternary located in Billings. AWS has Joliet, Bridger, and Red Lodge detailed county-level digital soil Pediment Gravels (Qpg), and waste collection contracts with participate in voluntary database, provide large-scale Alluvial Fans (Qaf) — indicate the City of Red Lodge and the recycling programs initiated by soil unit boundaries for Carbon the potential gravel sources in Towns of Bridger and Joliet. the communities. Red Lodge County. The survey identifies Carbon County. These maps can There are various issues with has a recycling facility open 178 soil types, with four major be found at www.mbmg.mtech. the waste generated by rural two days a week. AWS hauls the types prevalent across the edu by going to one of the residents and especially second recyclable materials to Billings county: wet silty clay loams, silty four appropriate quadrangles home owners. without charge and processes clay loams, fine sandy loams covering Carbon County. the materials. The City of Billings owns and and extremely stony loams. Bentonite is found to the operates the sanitary landfill in Natural Resources Southwestern Carbon County west and southwest of the which all of the waste generated (Beartooth-Absaroka Wilderness) Soil Resources Pryor Mountains. Gypsum in Carbon County is disposed. was not included in the survey. which has not been mined The city has 700 acres set aside In 1975, the U.S.D.A. and the Mineral Resources commercially since the 1920’s for its landfill, 280 of which are Forest Service in cooperation is found in outcrops east of currently under permit with These are located generally with the Montana Agricultural Gypsum Spring and in three the Montana Department of along major highway corridors Experimental Station published locations west of the Pryor Environmental Quality. The throughout the county, with a Soil Survey for the Carbon Mountains. Large private surface permit is in effect until the acres most along the State Highway 78 County Area Montana. The mining operations exist in the under permit are filled with and US Highway 212 corridors. survey stated: “The soils of southwest corner of the Pryor waste. Carbon County can generally Gravels generally suitable for Mountains on private land. be described in five separate The City of Billings has separate construction uses are found geographic areas, each annual agreements for waste throughout the county in the having unique landscape-soil disposal with Carbon County,
23 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Carbon County Soils
Joliet
Fromberg Roberts
Bridger
Red Lodge
Bearcreek
Not in Survey
Carbon County SoilsSoils, Carbon County 2003 (NRCS)
Wet Silty Clay Loams
Joliet Silty Clay Loams
Fromberg Fine Sandy Loams Roberts
Extremely Stony Loams Bridger
Red Lodge
Bearcreek
Not in Survey
Wet Silty Clay Loams
Silty Clay Loams
24 Fine Sandy Loams
Extremely Stony Loams Public and Private Opencut Mining Operations, Carbon County 2014 (Carbon County)
Rockvale 421
Joliet
Fromberg Roberts
78 212 Bridger
72 Red Lodge
310 308 Bearcreek Belfry
25 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Bedrock Geology, Carbon County 2003 (NRCS)
Joliet
Bedrock Geology Rock Type
Roberts Fromberg alluvial terrace metamorphic rock alluvium mudstone carbonate sandstone dolostone (dolomite) shale Bridger ne-grained mixed clastic water medium-grained mixed clastic Red Lodge
Bearcreek Belfry
26 Horizontal Wells in West Carbon County 2014 (MT Board of Oil and Gas Conservation) Oil and Gas
The first oil well drilled in Montana was in Elk Basin, in 1915. At present, only the Dry Creek and Elk Basin Fields are in significant production. Oil exploration is currently occurring near Belfry on private West Rosebud Cr CARBON COUNTY land, and on the Mackay Dome COUNTY STILLWATER in the western county.
Coal
Coal is found in several locations in the county including Bridger, Fromberg, Red Lodge, Bear Creek, and the Silver Tip coal field on the Wyoming border. The coal at Bridger is found in three distinct beds covering a total of 13,660 acres. The Bear Creek field contains nine significant coal reserves in the Surface and Ground Water Groundwater in Carbon County separate beds in the Fort Bridger and Bear Creek fields. is stored both in consolidated Carbon County’s water resources Union formation with a total and unconsolidated aquifers. Despite the potential availability are managed by private and thickness of 71 feet of coal. The three primary groundwater of coal, there are currently no public landowners, water rights West of Rock Creek, coal lies in areas in the county are the operating coal mines in Carbon holders, and municipalities. a narrow, steeply-dipping zone Beartooth Plateau, the Pryor which terminates against the County. The water resource consists of uplift, and the basins. Beartooth thrust fault. The BLM both surface and groundwater. estimates that there are still
27 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY ' Oil ªª ª ' Oil (Horizontally Drilled) Permitted Oil and Gas Wells in Carbon County 2014 ª ª ªª (MT Board of Oil and Gas Conservation) ª ªªªªª ªªª * Gas ªª ª ªª ª ª ª ª ªªª* ¯ Domestic Water * ' ª R Injection - Disposal ª ªªªª ª ª ª ªª f Injection, EOR ª ª ª ' ªª ª ª Dry Hole '' ª *ªªªª ª ªªª ªªª ªª ªª = Stratigraphic Test ª ª ª ª ª ª ª ª *ª'''Rª ªª ªª ª ªªªª º Water Source R ªª ªª ª ªª ª ª ªª' ' ª ª ª'ªªªªº'ªª ª ªªª'ª***ª*' 'ªªª' ª Oil Field fªªªªª ª**ª**ª'*ª**ª'*ª'*ªª****ª*ª' ª *ª **ªª***ª*'*ª*'ª*ª*ªª'ª*ªª*'*'*'***ª ªªª ªª ª==ªª Butcher Creek ª ªª ªª* ªªªªªªªª'=ªªªªªª ª Dry Creek ªª ªª == Golden Dome ª ªªª = ª ª ª ª' ª ª ª ª ' ª ª ªª ' ' ª ª ª ª ª ªªªª ª ª *'ª Clarks Fork ª ª ªª ªª''''ª ª ª ª ªª ª'ªª'ª'ª'''' ªªª ªªª ª ' ªª ª ª ª'ª*'*ª*ªª* ª ªfff'ª*''fª*''ª'''©f'f'ª'ª'''' ''''ª ª ªªªªªª ª ª ª ª ªª f'f'fª'f'f'¯f'ª'''fª'f'*f'*'''fª*'''''*ª''ª'ª ª ªfªª' ªª Elk Basin Frannie
28 Potential Coal Deposits (MT DNRC)
Joliet
Medium and High Volatile Bituminous / of doubt Medium and High Volatile Bituminous Fromberg
Bridger Medium and Red Lodge High Volatile Bituminous - of doubtful value
Medium and High Volatile Bituminous Medium and High Volatile Bituminous
There are approximately 6,298 (61%) are used for domestic Domestic water resources are The first well was drilled in 1883. water wells in the county. Peak drinking water. Nineteen typically less than 100 feet deep. There are two hydroelectric water well drilling occurred in percent, or about 1,127 wells are Most of the wells in Carbon generating stations in the 2006, while in 2010 only 75 wells used for stockwater, while ten County are shallow wells, with county, both located on the were drilled. About 3,691 wells percent are irrigation wells. only 85 deeper than 500 feet.
29 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Groundwater and Aquifers (MT Bureau of Mines and Geology)
Aquifer Thickness Well Yields Locations East Rosebud Creek, Red Lodge Creek, Willow Creek, Rock Creek (below Roberts), and the Clarks Fork Alluvium and colluvium 5-80 feet 10-300 gpm valley bottoms, eastern tributaries to Bridger Creek Terrace gravels 7-115 feet 10-50 gpm Upper East Rosebud Creek, base of Beartooth Face, Upper Rock Creek down to Roberts, Much of the dry uplands between the Clarks Fork and Rock Creek Valleys from south of Bearcreek Fort Union formation 600-8,500 feet 1-50 gpm north to Boyd, western quarter of the county excluding the higher elevations and stream bottoms Butcher Creek area, uplands between Cottonwood and Silver Tip Creeks, uplands between Boyd and Hell Creek 100-600 feet 1-15 gpm Bridger Uplands east of Cottonwwood Creek, east side of the Clarks Fork valley from Bridger north to the Eagle formation 200-250 feet 12-330 gpm Yellowstone County line Telegraph Creek formation East side of Clarks Fork Valley north to the Yellowstone County line (parallel to Eagle formation) 180-300 feet 1-18 gpm Chugwater formation 100-650 feet Large West side of the Big Horn River, west and south flanks of the Pryor Mountains Madison limestone 1,000+ feet Large West wall of Big Horn Canyon, Crooked Creek, headwaters of Bridger Creek
Water Well Usage, 2013 (MT Bureau of Mines and Geology)
Other 10% Irrigation 10% Domestic (Drinking Water) Stockwater 61% 19%
Cooney Reservoir is used primarily for agricultural irrigation and recreation.
30 !!! ! ! !!!!!!! !! !!!!! !! !! ! ! ! !!! ! !!!!!!!! ! !!!!!! ! ! !! !!!!!!!! !!!!! !!!!! !!! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! !! !! !! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! !! !!!! Distribution of Groundwater Wells , Carbon County, 2014 (MT ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !!!! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! Bureau of Mines and Geology) ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! !! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! !!!!!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!! ! ! !! !! !!!!! ! ! ! !!!!!! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!! !! !!!!!!!!!! !!! ! !!! ! ! !!! ! !!!! !!!! !!! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! !! !!! !! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! !! !!! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! !! !!!! ! !! ! !! !!! !!!!!! !!!! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!! ! !! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! !!!!! !!! ! !!!! !! ! ! ! !!!! ! !!!!!!! !! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! !! !! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!! ! !!!! ! ! !! ! ! !! !!! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! !! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !!! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! !!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! 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! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! !! !!! ! ! ! ! !!!!! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !! ! !!!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! !! !!!! ! ! !!!!! ! !! !! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! !! ! !!! ! !! ! !!!! !! !!! !!!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! !! !!! !!!! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!!! !!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!! ! !!! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!! ! ! !!!!! !!! !!! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! !!!! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! !! !! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! ! !! !! !! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! !!! ! ! !!! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! !!!!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! !!!! !!! ! !!! !!!!! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! !!!!! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! !!!!!! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! !!! ! ! !! !! ! !! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!! ! ! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! !!! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !! !! ! ! !! ! !! !!!!! ! !! ! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! !!! ! ! !! !! !! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!! !!! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! !!!!!!! !! !!!! ! !! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! !! ! ! !! ! !!! ! !! !!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! !!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !!! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!! !!!!!!! ! ! ! ! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!! !!!!! ! ! !!! ! !! !!!!!!! ! ! ! ! !!!!!! !! ! ! ! !!!!!!! !!! ! ! ! !!! !!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! ! !!!!!! ! ! ! !!!!!!! !!!! ! !! ! !!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! !!! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! !!!! !! !!!!!!! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!!!!! !!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!! !!! ! ! !!!!!!!!!! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!! !! !!!!!!!!!!! ! !! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!! !!! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! !! !! ! ! ! !!!!!! !!!!!! !!!!!! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!! !!!!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!! ! ! !!!!! !!!!!!!!!! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! !!! !! ! !!! ! !! !!! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! !!!!!! !! ! !! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!! ! ! !!!!! !!!!! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! !!!!!! ! !!! ! ! !!! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !!! ! !!!! ! !!!!!!!!!! ! ! !! ! !!! ! ! ! !!! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! !!! !! ! !! ! !! !! ! !! ! !! ! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!! ! ! !! !!!!! ! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! !!!! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!!! ! ! !! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! !! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! !!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!! !! !! ! ! ! !!! !!!! ! !!! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !!!!! ! ! ! ! !! !! ! ! ! !
South Fork of Dry Creek east of There are two state-owned The reservoir stores 28,400 acre at 57 feet in height was also Red Lodge. The larger station dams in the county. Located feet of water. Cooney Dam completed in 1937. The Glacier generates 2 Megawatts while on Red Lodge Creek, Cooney also created Cooney Reservoir Lake Dam stores 4,200 acre feet. a smaller downstream station Dam, which is 102 feet high, was State Park, which is a popular generates 0.5 Megawatts. completed in 1937 to provide recreation site in the summer water storage for irrigation. months. The Glacier Lake Dam
31 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Wildlife to numerous ungulates, Carbon A recent state habitat natural resources development County is home to two species conservation effort identified in the south and eastern parts The diversity and extent of of bears, gray wolves, mountain parts of the county as Greater of the county. The conservation high quality habitat in the lions, a variety of upland birds, Sage Grouse Core Areas, which plan will seek to keep county supports a wide range raptors, and non-game species. continues to effect land and management in state, rather of wildlife species. In addition than federal, hands.
Small Ungulates (MT FWP) Large Ungulates (MT FWP)
Joliet Joliet Antelope Rocky Mountain Elk
White-tailed Deer Moose Fromberg Fromberg *Mule Deer are found throughout County
Bridger Bridger
Red Lodge Red Lodge
Bearcreek Bearcreek
Large Predators (MT FWP) Upland Birds (MT FWP)
Joliet Joliet Black Bear Ringneck Pheasant
Gray Wolf Sage Grouse Fromberg Fromberg
Mountain Lion Sharptail Grouse
Bridger Bridger
Red Lodge Red Lodge
Bearcreek Bearcreek
32 Scenic Resources Height and setback The county can be classified by Carbon County has become requirements for development four descriptive characteristics: a destination for retirees and Scenic resources, like all other on visually sensitive high points second homeowners. natural and fiscal resources, • Gateway and ridgelines have been should be considered a As such, the county has seen specifically addressed in the • Amenity-rich significant economic asset remarkable increases in vehicle Red Lodge Development Code. • Rural for Carbon County. County traffic from Billings. Annual Similar regulations do not exist residents and visitors value the • Second home/retirement average daily traffic (AADT) in the county. outstanding natural appearing between Laurel and Rockvale These all provide value to the landscape which is an important Culture and Tourism is 8,282 vehicles per day, a 54% citizens in this region. As a facet to the quality of life in increase from 2009 (AADT is the In recent decades, culture and gateway community, Carbon Carbon County and a draw for number of vehicles traveling on tourism have become major County inherits a strong tourism recreationists, current residents, a section of road throughout economic drivers in Carbon base because of Yellowstone and potential future residents. the year divided by 365 days). County. Retail shopping, National Park and the Beartooth This is higher daily vehicle In 1989, the Beartooth Highway lodging, dining and touring Highway. travel than that between Big was classified as a National have been driven by growth in Being located between fifteen Timber and Livingston. About Forest Scenic Byway because of Billings and other outside areas. minutes to a few-hour’s the same number of vehicles the spectacular views along its Tourism is quickly becoming drive from Billings, Carbon travel between Joliet and Laurel route. The Beartooth Highway the county’s most important County is just far enough as between Bridger and Laurel. received about 953 vehicles per economic resource. According away from Montana’s largest Traffic flows generally decrease day in 2011, averaged over the to a 2012 report from the US metro area to be considered with the distance traveled south whole year (including seasonal Forest Service (“The Economy a rural community, but close from the Rockvale junction, with closures). The Absaroka- of Carbon County”, USFS, 2012), enough to be accessible to the the exception of cars crossing Beartooth Mountain front range “Carbon County was more reliant roughly 110,000 people in the the Wyoming stateline. is a dramatic topographical on industries connected to Billings metro area. Because of feature visible from most the travel and tourism than either Yellowstone National Park and proximity to natural amenities county, including along the the state of Montana or the the Beartooth Pass continue to like Yellowstone National Park, main highways. nation as a whole in 2009” due be a major tourist attraction. the city, and the availability to employment contributions The Beartooth Pass entrance of services and comforts, (pg. 3).
33 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY 8,282 Annual Average Daily Traffic on Major Corridors, 2011 (MT DOT) 578 3,738 421
Joliet
2,794 3,783 Fromberg Roberts
916 78 212 Bridger
1,644 72 Red Lodge 975 310 308 Bearcreek Belfry 1,655
953 1,536
Average Daily Average Daily Percent Highway Location Traffic (1999) Traffic (2011) Change 72 Between Bridger and Belfry 1,400 1,664 19% 78 Between Red Lodge and Roscoe 836 916 10% 212/310 Between the Yellowstone/Carbon County line and Rockvale 5,375 8,282 54% 212 Between Joliet and Red Lodge 2,193 2,794 27% 212 Between Red Lodge and the Wyoming line (averaged over 12 months) 755 953 26% 308 Between Belfry and Red Lodge 889 975 10% 310 Between Bridger and the Wyoming line 1,314 1,665 27% 310 Between Rockvale and Fromberg - 3,783 -
34 Registered Historic Resources in Carbon County, 2014 (National Park Service)
Buildings, Sites, FROMBERG AREA or Districts on Samuel Greenblatt House Northern Paci c RR Depot Historic Registry Public School IOOF Hall/Co-op Mercantile Building 421 Tracy McCall House Frank Brooder House Joliet Bridge John Gibson House Concrete Arch Bridge Frank Brooder House United Methodist Church High School Gebo Cemetery Dr. Theodore J. Benson House Hester E. Suydam Boarding House RED LODGE AREA Brewing/Canning Company BRIDGER AREA Warila Boarding House Kero Farmstead 78 Historic District Glidden House Dr. Carl Marcus House Communal Mausoleum 212 Corey House Heatherton Boarding House Hi Bug Historic District Forsman House Methodist Episcopal Church 72 Commercial Historic Bad Pass Trail District Glidden Mercantile Bridger Coal Co. House 310Raymond Hough House Camp Senia 308 Montana, Historic District Wyoming & Southern BEARCREEK AREA RR Depot Bearcreek Cemetery Bearcreek Bank Smith Mine Petroglyph Canyon Historic District
35 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY through Cooke City/Silver Gate Of the more than fifteen- is the least traveled of the hundred sites recorded in three entrances to the park in Carbon County, 54 individual Montana, however this is due to sites, five historic districts and the seasonal highway closure. one archaeological district have been listed on the National The route through the Paradise Register of Historic Places as Valley from Livingston to of 2014. A National Register Gardiner (open year round) designation affords special sees over twice as many protection for publicly-owned vehicles as the Beartooth Pass. sites, and access to technical The entrance from Bozeman expertise and eligibility for tax through the Gallatin Valley and credits on privately-owned sites. West Yellowstone sees a similar number of vehicles.
Carbon County’s abundance of cultural, heritage or archaeological resources plays a role in development permitting and review, particularly in rural unincorporated areas. Most development projects require a state cultural resources inventory and approval. For certain projects, the state generally requires impacts to these resources to be mitigated.
36 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT A rigorous public and stakeholder input process helped inform and create the vision, goals and 3 policies in this growth policy.
A large part of the growth success of this plan. Consultants • Roberts Community open a dialogue with residents policy update involved met with a variety of community Foundation and business owners about soliciting input from citizens leaders to problem solve and the growth policy update. • Red Lodge Community and community organizations. identify needs and goals for Consultants distributed meeting Development Office Public engagement was both their constituents. The following schedules and preliminary data an opportunity for education organizations played key roles in • Historic Preservation Board concerning Carbon County and for feedback. The following developing a vision for this plan: growth and development. is a summary of the process County Field Trip • Red Lodge Senior Center Community Outreach used to build consensus and As part of the county’s effort a heightened awareness of • Joliet Town Council to fully engage the breadth Public open houses gave the roles and responsibilities of its citizens, this growth residents an opportunity to • Bridger Town Council between public officials and the policy update included a field comment on a variety of plan broader community. • Bridger Senior Center trip as part of the public and elements at varying stages stakeholder input process. This of development. Citizens Stakeholder and Public • Fromberg Zoning trip consisted of three days provided insight into the unique Outreach Administrator of countywide field surveys, challenges faced by their Building collaborative • Fromberg Senior Center videography, interviews and community. Open houses were relationships with existing walking audits to document held in Bridger and Fromberg. organizations was key to the • Beartooth RC&D community conditions, and to
37 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY The planning team also wide audience, increasing the Additionally, they affirmed conducted informal effectiveness of the plan’s vision impacts caused by new growth conversations, interviews, and and message. should be mitigated by the video surveys throughout the developer. The video can be seen at: county. “Pop-ups”, or events Plan Website held without pre-arranged https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsf_puBeAfE&feature=youtu.be schedules or locations were Efficient distribution of In addition, a Citizen Opinion held in other incorporated and information was also crucial to Survey was distributed at each unincorporated communities success of this plan. The county’s of the Town Halls and the such as Joliet, Roscoe and Edgar. website hosted a page dedicated feedback provided additional to the update process. County One of the final products guidance for the direction of staff regularly updated the of the public process was a this plan. Many of the county’s site with essential documents, documentary of the input past issues or priorities were presentations, and schedule received. This method of reaffirmed through the new announcements. Consultants public involvement has few survey results. also utilized the county-wide precedents in Montana, and newspaper to disseminate provides a powerful tool to A secure water supply, information. gain understanding of what the preservation of the region’s growth policy is, the update agricultural lands and natural process and the information resource development remain gathered. Capturing interviews top priorities for residents. from local business owners, Additionally, affordable housing officials, residents and passers- and protection of private by helped understand the property rights followed in character of the county. importance. Respondents noted Using social media, the short finding job opportunities within video was broadcast to a the county have been difficult.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 38 KEY ISSUES The following issues were derived from data gathering, and the public and stakeholder input process. 4 They are addressed in four broad categories: Community and Economic Development, Tourism and Recreation, Natural Resources, and Land Use and Agriculture.
Community and Economic up a higher percentage of the 6. Year round survival of small not see significant benefits Development economy, the focus was on businesses from tourism. As the Billings attracting more tourism in the metropolitan area continues to Issues related to community 7. Meeting potential growth winter season. grow, more and more people will and economic development demand while maintaining visit Carbon County. varied heavily depending on Key Issues: small town character location. In towns, the age and 1. Infrastructure capacity and Key Issues: 8. Opposition to natural condition of public water and condition, and funding 1. Promoting tourism in the resource development sewer infrastructure hindered public improvement projects spring, fall, and winter new growth. Residents and Tourism and Recreation months 2. Housing supply, condition, community leaders in the Clarks and affordability in small 2. Expanding tourism and Fork Valley perceived there was Recreational opportunities are rural towns recreation opportunities in not enough growth in the towns a major economic resource and bring many people to the the Clarks Forks Valley or rural areas to sustain the 3. Lack of new jobs to attract county in the summer and existing population’s demand residents for jobs and services. In these winter seasons. Although the communities, any form of 4. Aging population and lack of economies of some towns economic growth was desired. younger workers and cities are largely driven by tourism, communities In areas where tourism made 5. Small or declining tax base in the Clarks Fork Valley do
39 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Natural Resources and Key Issues: Some landowners expressed a The US Forest Service works Environment 1. Regional differences in desire to utilize stronger land closely with the county and demand for resource use regulation to mitigate other organizations to promote Nearly every issue was development potential impacts caused by oil proper growth near its lands in geographically delineated and gas development along the the Custer National Forest. between the county’s various 2. Potential impediments to Beartooth front. Interest was areas, but none more than economic development Key Issues: expressed in pursuing “Part 1” natural resource development. 1. Market-driven development 3. Geographic location and county zoning as enabled by County residents in the Clarks and subdivision of availability of the resource MCA 76-2-101. Fork Valley believe future productive agricultural land growth will be dependent on 4. Impacts to sensitive The preservation of Carbon 2. Development of irrigated the development oil, gas, or coal environmental resources County’s agricultural land is of (rather than dryland) resources. Conversely, residents high importance to farmers, agricultural land along the Beartooth front and 5. Availability of groundwater ranchers, and rural residents. activists groups were working to 6. Protection of scenic and In the past, sprawling growth 3. Expanding pattern of prevent oil and gas development recreational resources and widespread subdivision subdivision countywide due to the real of farm land in areas near potential for environmental Land Use and Agriculture towns has threatened the 4. Potential development in the impacts. Specific environmental county’s agricultural resources. wildland-urban interface Land use and regulation was issues included the impacts In addition, suburban-type a divisive issue countywide. 5. Growth along urban of resource development on growth increases infrastructure Although many criticized boundaries that increases water and air quality, roads, and and service costs, limiting the the proliferation of unsightly infrastructure and service wildlife habitat. county’s ability to provide activities such as junkyards on costs acceptable levels of service. private property, there was not Development of other resources 6. Increase in commuter traffic a strong desire for stronger land was understood to be prevented to Billings by the expense of transporting use controls in rural areas. the resource.
KEY ISSUES 40 VISION The growth policy, by guiding land use decisions, is one way of moving towards the vision residents 5 have of the future. The vision is a collection of statements designed to guide the formation of goals, objectives and implementation strategies.
The following statements base where possible, are in harmony with each other the county is authorized to describe the desired future of scaled appropriately to be for the benefit of all county address – is embodied in one the residents and leaders of consistent with residents’ residents, especially in the or more of the following goals Carbon County. quality of life expectations, areas of land use, services, and objectives. The goals, and do not cause significant and public infrastructure. objectives, and implementation • Agriculture remains an degradation to water or air measures are for a five- important component of • Parts of the county in quality. year planning period. The the county’s economy and proximity to the Yellowstone implementation measures way of life. Agricultural • Carbon County remains County line will continue to require a variety of actions on lands are largely retained in a good place to live as be an attractive location for the part of the county. Some of agricultural production. evidenced by good schools, commuters working in the the implementation measures high levels of community Billings metropolitan area. • Land use change and will be ongoing during this involvement, small family development occurs in such The goals, objectives and planning period, some will farms, low crime rates, clean a way so as not to jeopardize implementation measures extend beyond the five years, air and water, open spaces water quality or availability. contained in the growth policy some of the measures will and scenic vistas, abundant originated with the issues and guide the county in responding • Economic enterprises wildlife, and friendly people. vision identified by county to development applications, which offer a living wage, • Local governments in residents. Each of the major and some will require county- build upon the agricultural Carbon County are working issues raised by citizens – that initiated actions.
41 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY VISION 42 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES Goals are the first step in achieving the vision, while the objectives are more specific statements 6 explaining how the goals can be implemented. Implementation actions follow the objectives, and offer strategies designed to complete plan implementation.
Goal 1. Land Use and Objective 1.1: Ensure county approval have been satisfied. 1.2.B. Track the number of Development subdivision and development Include costs to County for acres of agricultural land permit regulations are in this work in final plat approv- converted to residential Encourage land uses that are conformance with the Growth al fees. development in the county. appropriate on the lands for Policy and development occurs Report this number to the which they are proposed, Objective 1.2: Increase according to the conditions of citizens of the county annu- consider and act upon new understanding of present County approval. ally. development proposals to land use change trends and the county in a consistent 1.1.A. Revise subdivision consequences. Develop factual Objective 1.3: Assist farmers and manner, and approve new regulations as needed to be in information upon which to ranchers who wish to continue development compatible accordance with the Growth base regulations that will guide using their lands for agricultural with the retention of lands Policy. growth in a manner consistent production. currently in agricultural with residents’ vision for the 1.1.B. Revise development 1.3.A. Make resources avail- production. (“Appropriate” in future regulations as needed to be in able upon request to assist this case means that the land conformance with the Growth 1.2.A. Complete a build- citizens in the development has the physical characteristics Policy. out analysis to look at how of local zoning districts (cit- necessary to support the development is presently oc- izen-petition zoning.) (76-2- proposed use). 1.1.C. Develop a system to curring and will continue to 101 MCA) track the approvals process occur without intervention. to confirm that conditions of
43 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY 1.3.B. Revise the subdivi- is posted on the county’s 1.3.F. Protect private prop- 1.5.A. Request information sion regulations to require website, www.co.carbon. erty rights while balancing and briefings, and active- that all subdivision cove- mt.us.) individual property rights ly respond to requests nants contain a statement with the rights of other prop- for comment by state and 1.3.D. Continue to fund and clarifying that agricultural erty owners and communi- federal agencies propos- support an active County operations are exempt from ty interests for the public ing projects such as land weed control program which governmental zoning and health, safety and welfare of exchanges, and large scale includes both education nuisance ordinances ac- all citizens. mineral or recreation devel- and regulation. Streamline cording to the right-to-farm opment in the county. the process to treat noxious Objective 1.4: Encourage statute (76-2-901, MCA), that weeds and recover costs development in areas that are 1.5.B. Allow the Planning developers notify owners of when landowners do not not in agricultural production Board more involvement any existing water delivery treat their weeds. Continue when significant archaeolog- ditches, pipelines, and fa- 1.4.A. As authorized by the to require weed inspections ical or historical properties cilities in the subdivision to state legislature in 2003, in and bonding as necessary are affected a development, assure unobstructed use and 76-3-509 MCA, formulate and for any land use change and and when recommending maintenance consistent with adopt regulations to encour- new development with fees impact mitigation to sig- historic and legal rights., age cluster development for to cover staff time for inspec- nificant sites (listed on the and that the subdivision those developments that tions. National Register of Historic plat shows on its face, water meet the definitions. Places or determined eligible course easements to access, 1.3.E. Provide basic referral Objective 1.5: Ensure direct for listing). use, maintain and repair information in response to County input into any proposal water user facilities. requests about conservation with the potential to cause easements. The county has 1.3.C. Continue to make large-scale impacts to land use, no funding, nor is it propos- the Carbon County Code of natural resources, or quality of ing the use of public monies, the West (Resolution 05-20) life in the county. to purchase agricultural or available to realtors and conservation easements. new residents. (The code
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 44 1.5.C. Request that the process about subdivision The policy should encour- Goal 2. Water Resources Montana Department of design, mitigation of impacts age consideration of visual Management Transportation provide infor- to wildlife and wildlife impacts and co-location Ensure that proposed land uses mation on how alternatives habitat, and public safety to minimize the number of consider and disclose impacts under consideration for state related to wildlife. towers necessary. to ground and surface water highway projects will affect Objective 1.7: Direct urban 1.8.B. Consider a telecommu- quality and availability. existing residences and agri- growth to existing communities, nications tower ordinance cultural land. incorporated towns and cities, or to accomplish the policy in Objective 2.1: Increase Objective 1.6: Encourage the platted unincorporated places. 1.8.A. knowledge about hydrological voluntary preservation of open resources in the county. 1.7.A. Explore the potential space and wildlife habitat in the for future land use mapping 2.1.A. Continue to work with county. in areas immediately adja- Montana Bureau of Mines 1.6.A. Encourage developers cent to existing communities and Geology to study ground to dedicate to the property water quantity on the East Objective 1.8: Cooperate across owners’ association open and West Benches of Rock jurisdictional boundaries to space, wildlife habitat, and/ Creek, and to research the discuss future projects and or riparian areas within or effects of development on development approval processes in close proximity to each ground and surface water Respond in a consistent manner major subdivision or de- quantity and quality. to applications for the erection velopment to comply with of telecommunications towers. 2.1.B. Seek grant funds parkland requirements. and technical assistance 1.8.A. Prepare and adopt a 1.6.B. When revising the sub- to develop a data base for policy which can be provid- division regulations, incor- septic systems and wells. ed to developers ahead of porate a voluntary request Include a septic system layer time to guide the review of that developers coordinate in any Geographical Infor- telecommunications towers with the local Fish, Wildlife mation System that is imple- applications and permits. and Parks Biologist early in mented by the county. the subdivision development
45 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Objective 2.2: Require the 2.3.A. Revise the subdivision 2.4.B. Identify technical train- tion plans. (MCA 75-6-120, development of public water and development regula- ing needs county-wide and Wellhead and source water and/or wastewater systems tions to require developers coordinate resources to offer protection programs) when necessary to protect water to identify, disclose and training. Continue to apply Objective 2.6: Continue to quality. mitigate potential impacts for grant funds to assist in administer the floodplain to groundwater and surface covering costs for training 2.2.A. Use the Montana De- program for unincorporated water resources within a water and sewer facility op- partment of Environmental areas of Carbon County. one-mile radius of the pro- erators. Quality’s standards to deter- posed development, or to 2.6.A. Revise the Carbon mine the factors and thresh- Objective 2.5: Assist in protecting disclose when the effects are County Floodplain Ordinance olds to be considered when public and private drinking unknown. to comply with updates to determining which develop- water supplies due to growth state and federal policy. ments will require a public Objective 2.4: Assist causing increased pressure on water supply and/or public unincorporated communities scarce drinking water resources. 2.6.B. Coordinate with DNRC, wastewater system. Incorpo- with ongoing maintenance, Carbon Conservation Dis- 2.5.A. Invite the Montana rate these into the subdivi- repair, or expansion of sewer trict, and any other parties Department of Environment sion regulations. and water infrastructure. involved in the joint permit- Quality to make a presen- ting process. 2.2.B. Request that best man- 2.4.A. Encourage communi- tation to the county, local agement practices be used ties to use staff assistance government public works 2.6.C. Consider stream devel- in new development projects and resources from the directors, and unincorporat- opment setbacks on a case to mitigate impacts to water Beartooth Resource Con- ed community’s water system by case basis. quality. servation and Development operators on developing Area (RC&D), the Local Gov- wellhead protection plans. Objective 2.3: Require developers ernment Center at MSU-Boz- to disclose potential effects of 2.5.B. Apply for grants and eman, and the Department development on ground and request assistance from of Commerce to assist in surface water resources. MSU, MSU-Billings, Montana obtaining grant funds, and in Tech, and Rocky Mountain capital planning and the de- College, to accomplish the velopment of rate structures. preparation wellhead protec-
46 Goal 3. Financial 3.1.C. Work with industry 3.2.A. Complete 3.3.A. Prepare a capital Management and Public representatives as implementation of the rural improvements plan or needs Services appropriate to coordinate addressing and Enhanced assessment. transportation arrangements 911 systems. Ensure that new development 3.3.B. Review and revise as to minimize traffic and mitigates to a reasonable 3.2.B. Update the county necessary the road policy on impacts to roads and extent, increased costs or Emergency Operations Plan. accepting private roads. bridges. impacts to levels of services, 3.2.C. Compile and review 3.3.C. Complete a condition and public facilities already 3.1.D. Identify and adopt statistics on emergency assessment for each county- provided to existing residents incentives for development service requests and owned building and develop and landowners. that minimize costs to the response times. From a life cycle plan which county. Objective 3.1: Ensure that this information, develop identifies the projected both on-site and off-site costs 3.1.E. Review, and as standards for levels of annual expenditures for associated with development necessary, update planning service for fire protection, operation and maintenance. are identified and borne by the and development review ambulance service, and law 3.3.D. Complete an inventory appropriate party. fees to cover costs including enforcement, throughout of the known county roads. Growth Policy revision and the county. Utilize the 3.1.A. Perform an impact Develop a road management updates. level of service standards fee study to explore the plan which identifies the to guide decisions on the feasibility and adoption of 3.1.F. Review, and as number of road miles investment of public funds in impact fees. necessary, revise fees needing county maintenance infrastructure, staffing, and collected for weed field and/or rehabilitation and 3.1.B. Meet when appropriate equipment for the provision review and bonding, and fire the frequency, by road with industry representatives of emergency services. protection review. miles. Develop a method to discuss demands on Objective 3.3: Ensure county for prioritizing road infrastructure and services Objective 3.2: Ensure that expenditures for public facilities maintenance. County expenditures for produced by company and services are planned emergency services are planned 3.3.E. Continue updating employees residing in the appropriately to provide appropriately to provide road maintenance and county and the means maximum benefit for the funds maximum benefit for the funds snowplowing priorities maps. to assist the county in expended. recovering associated costs. expended.
47 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY 3.3.F. Complete an inventory 3.4.B. Apply for grant identify geography-specific and condition assessment funds from the State development strategies. of the bridges for which Department of Commerce Objective 3.6: Explore the the county is responsible. and the Federal Economic feasibility of a County-wide Continue to replace county Development Administration recycling program. bridges according to the as opportunities become schedule of priorities and available, to construct and 3.6.A. Invite recycling availability of funds. upgrade infrastructure in industry representatives support of development to explore the logistical 3.3.G. Assist sewer and consistent with the goals feasibility, economic water districts in capital of this plan. Request and feasibility, and level of improvement planning and utilize technical assistance interest for a county-wide structuring fees by providing as the need arises to support recycling program. resources and/or workshops economic development. available through MACo Objective 3.7: Explore and the Department of 3.4.C. Examine case studies applications of tax increment Commerce. from other communities financing districts in to determine how current unincorporated county areas. Objective 3.4: Participate business, tourism, recreation in economic development and agriculture may be Objective 3.8: Continue to activities which benefit county supported or impacted by support current economic residents and businesses. new development. drivers such as agriculture, tourism and natural resource 3.4.A. Continue membership Objective 3.5: Involve county development. and active participation in residents in economic the Beartooth RC&D. Utilize development. the RC&D staff to assist communities and businesses 3.5.A. Consider with locally-initiated “neighborhood planning” for projects. sub-areas of the county to
48 Goal 4. Cooperation with identify issues of mutual Objective 4.3: Continue 4.4.A. Continue to administer Other Governments concern, and receive to provide cost-effective the Disaster Emergency training. services to residents for road Services program in the Work cooperatively for the maintenance and construction. county. Utilize state funds benefit of County residents 4.1.C. Urge incorporated and training to support with unincorporated towns and cities to adopt 4.3.A. Communicate with county DES program. communities, local annexation and extension of MDT, the Forest Service, the governments in the county, and services plans that include Bureau of Land Management, 4.4.B. Continue to work with state and federal government county coordination. and adjacent counties the Forest Service to educate agencies planning activities to discuss road projects, the public about dangers and Objective 4.2: Minimize in the county that could affect coordinate schedules, and challenges associated with unintentional consequences Carbon County residents. look for efficiencies through the continued growth and of local government policies working cooperatively. building within the Wildland/ Objective 4.1: Direct with respect to development Urban interface. Support development to existing patterns. 4.3.B. Continue to work with rural departments applying communities. MDT on the construction/ 4.2.A. Encourage infill to for state and federal grant reconstruction projects on 4.1.A. Coordinate the take advantage of existing monies for staffing, training, Highways 212, 212/310, 78, review of subdivision services, facilities, and and equipment. Update 72, and 310. Coordinate and development permit infrastructure by monitoring the Community Wildfire with MDT on residential applications within one mile local government actions to Protection Plan as necessary. development planning in the of incorporated community ensure consistency between north end of the county for 4.4.C. As appropriate, request boundaries, or in any cases municipal and county commuters to Billings that the Montana Department of where municipal services are policies where possible. utilize Highway 212/310. Transportation to conduct being requested. 4.2.B. Maintain up-to-date studies of traffic safety on Objective 4.4: Promote the public 4.1.B. Organize a session subdivision and development highways in the county. health and safety through for members of all planning permit regulations for use cooperation with the state and 4.4.D. Coordinate to ensure boards or public works by the county and those federal governments. proper access and approach communities without directors in the county to to sensitive irrigated separate planning boards. agricultural lands.
49 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Goal 5. Natural and 5.2.A. Consider possible Environmental Resources impact mitigation policies in the development regulations. Develop the county’s natural resources balancing 5.2.B. Attempt to coordinate economic development with with industry, landowners, environmental responsibility. and local leaders to promote “good neighbor” strategies. Objective 5.1: Leverage natural resource development to 5.2.C. Request developers promote economic and seek baseline data on air, community development. water and soil quality in areas of development to 5.1.A. Partner and ensure environmental quality communicate with oil, gas, is maintained. wind, or other resource developers to identify and implement best practices for exploration and development.
5.1.B. Promote renewable resource development.
Objective 5.2: Promote policies and strategies to mitigate potential impacts without deterring natural resource development
50 IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK The Implementation Framework provides actions and completion timeframes for action items that 7 implement the vision and goals of the growth policy.
Implementation Framework
Goal or Action Task Description Summary Completion Timeframe Goal 1 Land Use and Development 1.1.A Revise subdivision regulations as necessary Annually, Ongoing 1.1.B Revise development regulations as necessary 1 year 1.1.C Develop a system to track the approvals process 1 year 1.2.A Complete a build-out analysis Prior to next growth policy update 1.2.B Track number of acres of agricultural land converted to residential development Ongoing 1.3.A Make resources available to assist residents with Part 2 zoning Ongoing 1.3.B Revise the subdivision regulations 6 months 1.3.C Make the “Code of the West” available Ongoing 1.3.D Fund and support an active County weed control program Ongoing 1.3.E Provide referral information on conservation easements Ongoing 1.3.F Protect private property rights while balancing individual rights Ongoing 1.4.A Encourage cluster development Ongoing 1.5.A Comment on state and federal undertakings Ongoing 1.5.B Develop recommendations on historic preservation Prior to next growth policy update 1.5.C Coordination with the Dept. of Transportation Ongoing
51 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Goal or Action Task Description Summary Completion Timeframe 1.6.A Encourage open space and habitat dedications for parkland requirements 1 year 1.6.B Obtain input from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Ongoing 1.7.A Explore potential for future land use mapping Prior to next growth policy update 1.8.A Guide review of telecommunication towers Ongoing 1.8.B Consider telecommunications tower ordinance 1 year Goal 2 Water Resource Management 2.1.A Compile and study groundwater science 2 years 2.1.B Seek grants for well and septic system data countywide Prior to next growth policy update 2.2.A Identify public water/sewer system thresholds Prior to next growth policy update 2.2.B Request best management practices in new development projects Ongoing 2.3.A Revise subdivision regulations 1 year 2.4.A Aide in securing grants for capital projects Ongoing 2.4.B Coordinate water/sewer training needs Ongoing 2.5.A Invite Dept. of Environmental Quality to present on wellhead protection 2 years 2.5.B Apply for grants to complete wellhead protection projects 2 years 2.6.A Revise floodplain regulations to comply with state and federal policy updates As needed 2.6.B Coordinate with joint floodplain permitting agencies Ongoing 2.6.C Consider stream development setbacks 1 year Goal 3 Financial Management and Public Services 3.1.A Perform an impact fee study 1 year 3.1.B Discuss demands on infrastructure with industry Ongoing 3.1.C Coordinate with industry to mitigate transportation impacts Ongoing 3.1.D Identify incentives that minimize county costs 6 months 3.1.E Review/update planning fees As needed 3.1.F Review/update weed and fire fees As needed
IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK 52 Goal or Action Task Description Summary Completion Timeframe 3.2.A Complete rural addressing and E911 system Ongoing 3.2.B Update the Emergency Operations Plan 1 year 3.2.C Develop level of service standards for emergency response services 1 year 3.3.A Prepare a Capital Improvements Plan/Needs assessment Prior to next growth policy update 3.3.B Review and revise private road policy Prior to next growth policy update 3.3.C Assess county-owned buildings 2 years 3.3.D Inventory known county roads Ongoing 3.3.E Update county road maintenance priority map Ongoing 3.3.F Inventory and assess bridges 6 months 3.3.G Pursue resources available from MACo and the MT DOC to complete water/sewer Ongoing improvement projects 3.4.A Continue participation in Beartooth RC&D Ongoing 3.4.B Apply for state/federal grants for infrastructure projects and technical assistance Ongoing 3.4.C Examine case studies in new development 3.5.A Consider neighborhood planning 1 year 3.6.A Invite recycling industry reps to discuss recycling program feasibility 1 year Goal 4 Cooperation with Other Governments 4.1.A Coordinate subdivision and development permit application review within one Ongoing mile of incorporated places 4.1.B Identify mutual areas of concern Ongoing 4.1.C Encourage extension of services planning 1 year 4.2.A Encourage infill development Ongoing 4.2.B Update and administer subdivision regs for unincorporated areas 1 year 4.3.A Communicate with other agencies regarding road projects Ongoing 4.3.B Continue coordination with MDOT on all highway projects Ongoing 4.4.A Utilize state funds to administer Disaster and Emergecy Services program Ongoing 4.4.B Coordinate with US Forest Service on wildfire danger Ongoing
53 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Goal or Action Task Description Summary Completion Timeframe 4.4.C Request MDOT traffic studies where appropriate As needed 4.4.D Ensure proper access and approach to sensitive agricultural lands Ongoing Goal 5 Natural and Environmental Resources 5.1.A Partner and communicate with developers to identify best practices Ongoing 5.1.B Promote renewable energy development Ongoing 5.2.A Consider impact mitigation policies Ongoing 5.2.B Attempt to coordinate with industry, landowners and local leaders Ongoing 5.2.C Request developers seek data on air, water and soil quality Ongoing
Development Regulations public health, safety or welfare, administration of subdivision This section provides and should allow for such regulations.” The governing information on how the county The county adopted the impacts to be mitigated when bodies have also had the will review subdivisions. It development permitting necessary. authority to review subdivisions explains: system in 1981 to manage any for their compliance with master change in use from agricultural, Subdivision Regulations 1. How the county defines the planning documents. House Bill residential, or recreational to state’s review criteria, The review of subdivision and 543, passed by the 2001 state commercial or industrial. The the regulations governing legislature and signed into law 2. How those criteria will be Development Regulations are the review process affect the by the governor, now requires used to evaluate and make adopted under MCA 76-2 Part 2 ability of the local government subdivision regulations be decisions on subdivisions, “County Zoning”. to achieve the growth policy’s revised to be in accordance with and Future updates to the goals. Since 1974, every county, the growth policy within one 3. How public hearings will be development regulations should city, and town has been required year of its adoption. conducted. acknowledge potential impacts by state law to “adopt and of new development to the provide for the enforcement and
54 Criteria Definition products on agricultural land historic, prehistoric, cultural, or there are significant unmitigated including, but not limited to aesthetic significance. adverse impacts. Unmitigated State law requires that ditches, canals, pipes, head adverse impacts are potential subdivisions be reviewed for Wildlife: Animals (e.g. mammals, gates, sprinkler systems, tanks, grounds for denial of a proposed their effects on six primary birds, reptiles, fish), that are not reservoir, ponds, or developed subdivision. Below are criteria: agriculture, agricultural domesticated, existing in their springs. examples of items considered water user facilities, natural natural environment. in evaluating the impact of a environment, wildlife and Local services: Any and all Wildlife habitat: Geographic proposed subdivision on the six wildlife habitat, local services services or facilities local areas containing physical or primary criteria. These examples and public health and safety. government is authorized biological features essential to do not necessarily reflect all This section clarifies how the to provide, such as water wildlife for breeding, rearing, potential items. Depending on county defines those criteria. supply, sewage disposal, law nesting, and/or winter feeding the proposed subdivision, some enforcement, fire protection, Agriculture: The use of the land and forage; and/or essential of these items may not apply. transportation system, and for grazing and cropping to to the conservation of listed In addition, some proposals educational system as well as produce food, feed, and fiber endangered and threatened may require evaluation of services not provided by local commodities. Examples may species under the Endangered other factors not included in government such as electricity, include: cultivation and tillage Species Act. these examples to weigh the gas, telephone, and solid waste of the soil; dairying; growing subdivision’s effect on these disposal. Public health and safety: A and harvesting of agricultural or criteria. It is the subdivider’s condition of optimal well being, horticultural commodities; and Natural environment: Existing responsibility to document free from danger, risk, or injury the raising of livestock, bees, physical conditions relating proposed mitigation of any for a community at large, or fur-bearing animals, or poultry. to land, water, air, plant and adverse impacts on these six for all people, as well as for the This definition does not include animal life of an area and the criteria. welfare of a specific individual concentrated animal feeding interrelationship of those or a small class of persons. Effect on agriculture. operations. elements, such as soils, geology, topography, vegetation, surface Evaluation • Number of acres that Agricultural water user facilities: water, ground water, aquifers, would be removed from Facilities that provide water for drainage patterns, recharge The evaluation of the effect of the production of crops or the production of agricultural areas, climate, floodplains, noise, the proposed subdivision on livestock. scenic resources, and objects of these six criteria determines if
55 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY • Acres of prime farmland (as Effect on agricultural water »» Response times prehistoric, and cultural defined by the USDA) that user facilities. resources »» Conditions of roads, would be removed • Location and proximity bridges, and railroad • Noxious weeds. • Effect on use of remainder to agricultural water user crossings • Wetlands not covered under and adjoining properties as facilities »» Physical Barriers. nationwide permits. farm or ranch land • Potential conflicts between • Provision of adequate local Effect on wildlife and wildlife • Potential conflicts between facility users and subdivision services and public facilities habitat. the proposed subdivision residents including: simultaneous or prior to and adjacent agricultural • Loss of significant, important »» Seeps, flooding, onset of impact operations including: and critical habitat, as washouts, • Any special or rural defined by Montana Fish, »» Interference with »» Obstructions and improvement districts Wildlife and Parks or the U.S. movement of livestock or interference that would obligate local Fish and Wildlife Service. farm machinery government involvement »» Unintended uses • Impacts on significant, »» Maintenance of fences fiscally or administratively (recreation or important and critical habitat »» Weed proliferation landscaping) Effect on natural environment. including potential effects of
»» Vandalism or theft • Water rights • Runoff reaching surface »» roads and traffic waters (e.g., streams, rivers »» Harassment of livestock • Vehicular access to facility »» closure of existing or riparian areas). by pets or humans operations and/or Effect on local services. • Impacts on ground water potential to provide new • Other items to be considered • Increased demand on quantity and quality. access to public lands include: services and need to expand • Impacts on air quality. »» Effects of humans and »» Effect on market value of services pets on wildlife. surrounding land • Impacts on scenic resources. • Ability to provide services to »» Net effect on taxes subdivision • Impacts on historic, resulting from additional services
56 Effect on public health and Public Hearing Procedures 2. Explain subdivision review the public of the criteria safety. procedure and decision upon which the final decision A fundamental component of criteria. must be made. Because each • Creation of potential the subdivision review process meeting is somewhat different, man-made hazards (e.g. is the opportunity for members 3. Planning Department staff a standardized set of guidelines unsafe road intersection, of the public and interested report. may not work in every case. development in wildland groups to offer comments on 4. Applicant presentation. Options to manage public urban interface fire areas). the proposal. The opportunity discussion can include, but are to make comments in public is 5. Public testimony. • Natural hazards (e.g. wildfire, not limited, to the following: provided by the public hearing flooding, steep slopes). process. The Planning Board will 6. Close public hearing. • Asking those who wish to • Existing potential man- also accept written comment Court decisions have held that speak to sign in, and use the made hazards (e.g. high received outside of the public public meetings that extend list to call on speakers. pressure gas lines, lack of hearing, but may set deadlines late into the night are not • Limiting the amount of time fire protection, cumulative for the receipt of such comment. really accessible to the general each person can speak. impacts). Under state law, the requirement public. The meeting should be to hold a public hearing does conducted so that those who • Allowing each person to • Traffic safety. not apply to the first minor want to speak for or against, or speak only once until all have • Emergency vehicle access. subdivision from a tract of who seek additional information, had an opportunity. record. A minor subdivision is will have an opportunity to • Emergency medical response • Requesting individuals to defined as containing five or do so while still providing a time. address new issues only and fewer lots. reasonable adjournment time. not repeat what has already • Condition of road leading to The general steps for the public The Planning Board Chair, who been addressed. proposed subdivision. hearing, which is conducted by presides over the meeting, The planning board will vote the Planning Board in Carbon is responsible for setting the • Condition of bridges on on the subdivision application County, are as follows: guidelines or methods for road leading to proposed after the public hearing is public comment. The Chair will subdivision. 1. Introduce public hearing. adjourned. Their decision will review general guidelines prior be forwarded to the Board of • Any other item that to public comment, reminding endangers public health and County Commissioners as a safety. formal recommendation.
57 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY Implementation and Changed conditions including recommended by the County 3. Prior to the submission of Amendment of the Growth but not limited to litigation in Planning Board. Triggers the proposed amendment Policy Carbon County or elsewhere which could cause the County to the governing body, the in Montana which sets legal Planning Board to recommend board shall give notice and Timetable for implementing the precedent clearly contrary to amendment could include, but hold a public hearing on the growth policy stated goals, objectives and are not necessarily limited to; a growth policy. At least 10 The growth policy should be strategies in the County’s determination that an issue was days prior to the date set implemented according to the growth policy. not adequately addressed in the for hearing, the board shall implementation measures listed growth policy or an issue arising publish in a newspaper of A timetable for reviewing the under each goal and objective in which was not contemplated in general circulation in the growth policy the Implementation Framework. the growth policy. jurisdictional area a notice The Carbon County growth of the time and place of the A list of conditions that will The process by which the growth policy shall be revised at a hearing. lead to revision of the Growth policy will be amended is as minimum every five years Policy follows; 4. The Planning Board conducts from the most recent date of a public hearing on the adoption. Review may occur 1. An issue or deficiency is To remain a useful tool for proposed amendment more frequently than five years identified to the Planning guiding land use development and votes on whether to if one or more of the conditions Board by a member of the in the county, this growth policy recommend that the Board of that lead to a revision of the Planning Board, the Board of will need to be periodically County Commissioners adopt growth policy listed above County Commissioners, the updated. The following the amendment. conditions will trigger a revision occur. The County Planning County Planner, or a local of the growth policy. Board shall be responsible for government member. 5. Within 60 days of the vote of reviewing the growth policy and the Planning Board and not 2. The Planning Board has The passage of five years from making recommendations for less than 30 days, the Board oversight responsibility for adoption; changes to the goals, objectives, of County Commissioners language proposed for any and implementation measures. votes to accept or reject the Legislative changes which amendments of the growth recommendation from the mandate significant additions, Amending the Growth Policy policy. Planning Board. corrections, or amendments to the growth policy; Amendment of the growth policy may occur as
58 Application for Growth Policy Amendment
Description of Amendment • How the amendment furthers the visions, goals, or objectives in the growth policy: Elements of growth policy to be amended:
• How the proposed amendment will provide clear, community benefit: Summary of proposed amendment:
I hereby certify under penalty of perjury and the laws of the State of Montana that the information submitted herein, on all other submitted forms, documents, plans or any other information Provide or attach the following in a narrative format with any submitted as a part of this application, to be true, complete and maps or drawings as needed. Please demonstrate: accurate to the best of my knowledge. Should any information • How or where an error was made in the growth policy that or representation submitted in connection with this application requires an amendment to preserve a property right or to be untrue, I understand that any approval based thereon may be preserve equal protection under the law: rescinded and other appropriate action taken. The signing of this application signifies approval for Carbon County staff to be present on the property for routine monitoring and inspection during the approval and development process.
• How or where conditions in the city have changed to a degree that requires an amendment to the growth policy: Applicant’s Signature
Date
59 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY 60 61 CARBON COUNTY GROWTH POLICY