Beautiful Bitterroot

Published: 2022
By Kimberly Richardson

Let us acknowledge that in the Bitterroot Valley, we live, work, and teach on the traditional lands of the Bitterroot Salish Peoples then, now, and forever. With grace and reverence, we offer gratitude to generations of indigenous peoples who provided the fundamental stewardship model in Ravalli County and throughout the Bitterroot Valley. Their sacrifices shall never be forsaken, and through insightful healing and diligence, the new inhabitants of the Bitterroot Valley can continue to honor and protect these traditional lands in thought, service, and action. According to the July 2021 U.S. Census Bureau Data Report, Ravalli County comprises 2,390 square miles of land and 6 square miles of water stretching from Florence to Sula with an estimated population of 45,959. The county seat is Hamilton. Ravalli County is known for diverse agricultural enterprises highlighting value-added commodity impacts of $33.1 million from farms and ranches.