Regarding the feasibility study being undertaking by the Montana Department of Transportation, it should be noted that the state was notified back in February 2009 that it had yet to comply with the mandated Federal US-EPA guidelines for implementing and maintaining a Haze and Visibility Program set into policy back in 1977.
If one reads up on the program guidelines, they will find Glacier National Park listed among 156 national parks and wilderness areas. The program sets forth a policy limiting and/or controlling manmade airborne pollutants that affect the visibility in and around these (pristine) locations. The purpose of these rules speak for themselves, as to the ability of tourists and visitors to enjoy a clear and clean view into these areas. These mandates alone should set the hierarchy of Glacier National Park into action and come on board to eliminate the airborne dust caused by the North Fork Road.
Flathead County as well as all other state and federal agencies with jurisdiction in this area are supposed to come together to address this issue and set forth a lon term plan to come into compliance with this federal mandate. Now would be a good time for the agencies to come together to get something positive, as well as healthy and safe, for this section of the road.
Ray Brown, chairperson
North Fork Road Coalition for Health and Safety