The Bitterroot Climate Action Group is exploring the topic of climate change and what it will mean for the Bitterroot Valley in a series of articles.
The Bitterroot Valley economy is likely to be profoundly affected by climate change.
Currently, many local jobs and much of the income in Ravalli County are generated by growth— building new homes, accommodating tourists, and providing the services that an influx of new residents and visitors require. As we mentioned in a previous article (RR, July 18, 2021), new migration to the Valley is likely to continue and increase as residents of areas more immediately impacted by climate change look for a less flood-prone, less hot and drought-affected, or less hurricane-susceptible place to live.
Because of this, the building industry and amenity providers are likely to continue to thrive. Property values and home insurance rates, especially in the wildland-urban interface, may suffer from increased fire danger.
The tourism industry, in contrast, may experience shifts in emphasis or even start to struggle. As more winter precipitation falls as rain and late season droughts become more frequent (as predicted by the Montana Climate Assessment), snow sports and fly fishing in the Bitterroot will become less attractive. Water sports like rafting & kayaking will have more limited seasons as water levels peak and decline earlier.
With our wildfire season starting earlier and extending later (which we will address more thoroughly in next month’s final article on the effects of climate change on the Bitterroot Valley), general tourism will also be affected.
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