Seeley Lake Community Council Chair Klaus von Stutterheim moderating a local candidate forum in April 2018. This was one of the many things Von Stutterheim has done while serving on the Council for the past seven years.
SEELEY LAKE –
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 was officially proclaimed Klaus von Stutterheim Day by the Missoula County Commissioners. The Proclamation honors Von Stutterheim's many years of service to Seeley Lake and Missoula County and urges all Missoula County residents to emulate his example by giving back to their friends, neighbors and community in a way that leaves this place better than they found it.
The Commissioners chose to name a day after Von Stutterheim because of his many years of leadership and collaborative spirit and the role he played in revitalizing the Seeley Lake Community Council. Von Stutterheim recently resigned from the Council due to health issues. However his years of service on the Council, in the community and with Missoula County is something the Commissioners believe deserved special recognition.
Missoula County Communications Coordinator Sarah Bell wrote in an email, "Naming a day after Klaus signifies the depth of his service and far reaching influence he's had on Missoula County."
After the Commissioners read the Proclamation at their Feb. 16 meeting, retired Missoula County Chief Planning Officer Patrick O'Herren shared that he would never forget the first call he received from Von Stutterheim.
"Because of the work he has done, he helped change the course of my department. He helped changed the course of the County Commissioners office and he changed the course of the county in general in many ways as you have outlined in this resolution," O'Herren said.
In a follow up email to the Pathfinder, O'Herren further explained that Von Stutterheim opened the door for Missoula County's Rural Initiatives department, and consequently for the County Commissioners, to the world of rural landscape conservation at the community level.
The County Commissioners formed Rural Initiatives in 2006 with two full time staff. The residents of the County passed an Open Space bond in November of 2006.
O'Herren said in 2007-2008, Von Stutterheim invited County staff to work with landowners and Five Valleys Land Trust in the Woodworth area to help form a vision of landowner goals for The Meadow in the center of the community. This provided the first opportunity for local government to work with a local community on a multi-owner conservation project.
After organizing a landowner meeting at the Rich Ranch, O'Herren said Von Stutterheim helped Rural Initiatives and Five Valleys develop a first of its kind report in Missoula County entitled "Woodworth Meadows Conservation and Growth Options." From this document, he said over 600 acres were placed under conservation easements protecting resources ranging from timber to pastures, from wildlife to water quality and the scenic viewshed the landowners so treasure.
"While not the first conservation easements funded in part by bond dollars, easements in Woodworth were the result of their community working with the private sector and the County to secure the future those landowners so diligently sought," O'Herren wrote.
O'Herren also highlighted Von Stutterheim's ability to never allow his political beliefs to interfere with hearing what others have to say and his open and welcoming approach helping him understand the importance of the various perspectives each person has on life.
"There seem to be too few people over the years who so consistently display the integrity, tolerance, openness, concern and the willingness to help others that Klaus exhibits on a daily basis," said O'Herren. "To have the opportunity to work with him, to get to know Klaus and his insightful partner Beate is an honor and privilege to always be treasured. Missoula County and Seeley Lake residents have been extremely fortunate to have Klaus and [his wife] Beate live with us as neighbors. He has made all of our lives better, richer, more diverse and certainly more tolerant. Thanks Klaus for sharing your wisdom with all of us."
Seeley Lake Community Foundation Executive Director Claire Muller also spoke at the meeting thanking Von Stutterhiem for his work and the amazing things he has done in Seeley Lake.
Commissioner Chair Dave Strohmaier added, "[Klaus's] service and continued service is something that we believe deserves special recognition in Missoula County. I hope you sense the breadth and depth of appreciation here within Missoula County government and beyond throughout the community for all that you have and continue to do for your friends, neighbors and community."
The commissioners proclaim days/months in recognition of various causes. Chet Murphy Day was declared Oct. 1, 1980 because Murphy made major contributions to the community through his service on numerous boards and commissions and he helped make Missoula a special place. A few recent examples include the Wade Palmer and Brent Witham proclamations. These are not recognized annually.
To view the entire Proclamation for Klaus von Stutterheim Day click https://www.seeleylake.com/home/customer_files/article_documents/klaus_von_sutterheim_day_proclamation_02.16.2021.pdf
Additional proclamations are available on at https://www.missoulacounty.us/government/administration/commissioners-office/commissioners-proclamations
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