SUPPORT FOR
CITIZEN INITIATED ZONING

Seeing the beauty in Raynolds Pass is not hard. It is up to us to protect it. The time has come for each of us to do our part in protecting “The Truly Last Best Place.”

In the face of increasing traffic, impacts to wildlife, water quality and quantity concerns and the popularity of the Madison River, we have the opportunity to create management and mitigation tools. We means you. Each of you are critical to success. This is the first step.

  • Open the package coming to property owners within the proposed districts soon. Look inside. Read it. Learn about Citizen-Initiated Zoning Districts (CIZD).

  • Ask questions or don’t. Sign the petition.

  • Read here what your neighbors say about Raynolds Pass.

Support the community efforts whether you are in a proposed district or not. Join the CIZD Commissioner meetings virtually or in person. Sign up for email to receive details and login to say “Yes!” at the Public Hearing at info@raynoldspass.org.

  • "In 1982 we purchased 20 acres in the Raynolds Pass area near the junction of 287 and 87 after a nearly 3 year search for a home base that had the features we felt would provide us a rich natural environment and the quality of life that we were striving to obtain as a young couple. We sat on the logs for our home the evening they were delivered, drank a bottle of wine, and watched the sun set over the Missouri Flats, Henry Mtns, and Raynolds Pass. We had no neighbors as the other 6 parcels in our small subdivision were unsold and the only building we could see on Missouri Flats was the original ranch complex toward the pass. Today we can see at least 80 buildings on the Flats and all the parcels in our subdivision are occupied and one has been split into 3 separate lots. We still have the public lands, the wonderful views, a clean river, and the wildlife but we are worried, like many that have chosen to live here, that without some modest restrictions on the types of development that could occur in the future we many lose what makes this area such a wonderful place to live. Thus, we are strongly supportive of the proposed zoning regulations for our area as they would go a long way to help ensure that the quality of the area and the lifestyle that we enjoy will continue, not only for the rest of our lives, but for our daughter as well. A little girl born in Ennis and who grew up canoeing and fishing the lakes and rivers of the area, riding on top of panniers on backcountry pack trips, and just being a kid catching snakes, frogs, and bugs in the sagebrush meadows around the cabin. The proposed zoning regulations are relatively modest compared to many of the covenants we reviewed when searching for a property in the valley. They would help protect the water, wildlife habitat, migration corridors, open spaces, and the agricultural heritage that makes this valley so special."

    Bob and Diane Garrot, Raynolds Pass

  • "We moved to Raynold Pass seeking freedom. So why are we supporting Citizens Initiated Zoning? There are several important reasons why we believe this initiative is worth supporting. First, the proposed zoning requirements are not more restrictive than the current covenants in our subdivision. They are quite reasonable and align with the standards we agreed to when we purchased our property in Continental Divide Ranch. Simply put, these regulations do not limit our ability to use the land in the ways we envisioned when we bought it. However, this is only part of the story. The proposed regulations are essential for preserving everything we love about this area. They protect critical wildlife habitats, wildlife corridors, and the birthing grounds that are vital for wildlife survival. By safeguarding these areas, we can prevent the kind of high-density developments, like RV parks, that threaten our natural environment. Moreover, these regulations ensure that vital resources, such as water, remain accessible to support the needs of ranchers and our community. They also preserve the breathtaking views that make this place so special, guaranteeing that future developments do not block scenic vistas or encroach on the natural beauty that defines our area. By protecting this distinct environment that makes our area so special, you're also safeguarding the long-term value of your investment. Ensuring the preservation of what makes this place extraordinary benefits everyone. Keep Raynolds Pass unique and preserve its charm for future generations and support this important initiative."

    Tom and Michele Schroeder, Raynolds Pass

  • "I totally support Citizen Initiated Zoning Districts to protect our property from unwarranted business development that infringes on our environment, quality of life, fragile ecological area, and most importantly threatens to destroy what we value as “The Last Best Place”. Two years ago, through monumental efforts by so many, we stopped the development of Mile Creek RV Park and Resort. This would have meant a 148 space RV park, store, laundry, and all accompanying needs for such a nightmare. The increased traffic, inadequate law enforcement and emergency services for such a drastic increase in population, light pollution, increased fire danger, unprecedented river pressure and trespassing on private property, disruption of critical wildlife corridors, would have changed this area into a place that I never intended to nor would now want to live. Would you want this within close proximity to your property? The BATTLE is NOT over! Increasingly, big money developers are targeting this area. We cannot be silent or apathetic. Please support this effort!"

    Fran McNeil, Raynolds Pass

  • "My name is Sam Haak, and while I may be one of the younger voices speaking up for this place, I represent a new generation that deeply values the wild beauty, heritage, and quiet strength of Raynolds Pass. My family has been connected to this valley for decades—my grandparents spent their summers here, and my grandmother, Ruth Haak, founded the W.O.W. (Women of the Wild) hiking group. She passed in 2014, but her spirit and love for this land are still alive in every trail, river bend, and open sky. Eleven years ago, I followed in her footsteps, discovering Montana for myself. I fell in love with the culture, the people, and the sense of belonging that only a place like this can give. That love led me to pursue a degree in Environmental Science with a minor in Sustainable Natural Resource Management from the University of Montana Western in Dillon. I now live and work in Helena, but the valley remains my true north. Raynolds Pass is not just another piece of real estate—it is a rare and fragile landscape that cannot be replaced once it's lost. It’s not just wildlife habitat or scenic views; it’s the soul of Montana, the “Last Best Place” we always talk about. Development pressures are growing, and big money doesn’t care about the land, the people, or the future. But I do. We do. That’s why I support the Citizen Initiated Zoning District—because it’s how we protect what matters. We have a choice: to be passive and let the land be carved up, or to stand together and draw a line in the soil. Please, join me and the many generations—past, present, and future—who believe this valley is worth preserving."

    Samantha Haak, Raynolds Pass

  • "Ten years ago, my husband and I sought refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life and bought a home and land in the Reynolds Pass area of Cameron, Montana. We looked at many options in the Madison Valley, based on lifestyle, convenience, and proximity to services. Ultimately, we chose a home in the Continental Divide Ranch subdivision for its remote beauty, wildlife, minimal traffic and population. Our home has become a wonderful escape, a happy surprise. Not knowing what to expect, we arrived prepared to become Montanans, and we feel like we’ve accomplished that. The comfortable lifestyle we created here was threatened in early 2022 when we heard of an RV park scheduled to be built a mile from us and in our direct line of sight. This would have brought to the area unfettered traffic, commercial structures, strain on our water supply, and more importantly, strain on existing wildlife in this area. Services such as fire, police and ambulance, already scarce, would have become more so had this project been approved. Luckily, through the hard work of the amazing citizens of this community, the RV park was defeated. It was because of this threat that the idea of Citizen’s Initiated Zoning District was born. Our goal is not to become more restrictive; the zoning regulations fall right in line with our existing covenants. This proposed zoning will seek to preserve what is right and true about this area: respecting and coexisting with wildlife, protecting our precious water supply, controlling traffic brought in by unregulated commercial businesses, and preserving our beautiful views for generations to come. I think this is vital, especially in a state that is rapidly growing in population. The ability to keep at least some of our open spaces untouched and precious is vital to life and freedom. Thank you to all who are fighting for this. Your dedication to the area cannot be overstated."

    Julie and Steve Dolcemaschio, Raynolds Pass