Strong winds across the high prairie inevitably bring change, dramatically altering the topography of our region, particularly over the course of almost three decades. That reality extends metaphorically to economic and social changes that occur over a period of time.

This is why it is a positive sign for Ward County to pursue a possible revision of its comprehensive plan. The current working plan is some 25 years old and while it might have accurately reflected conditions and a long-term vision of the future from the vantage point of the late 20th century, plenty has occurred in the region to warrant a review of the plan today.

Minot Daily News strongly encourages public engagement in any review of the comp plan. Members of the public and other stakeholders are encouraged to take pro-active steps to invest personally in the process. Ward County authorities are urged to solicit public input and to maintain an open dialogue throughout the entire process.

Make no mistake, a comp plan review and potential revision will take time. It is not an easy process and simple mistakes today will have unseen ramifications in the future.

Some who will surely engage in the process are rural landowners who have been enraged by a county policy some have openly called a “land grab.” The controversial rural right of way policy will allegedly be a component of any comp plan review, effectively tabling the issue for the time being. Yes, institutions opposed to the current process – Ward County Farm Bureau, Ward County Farmers Union and Northwest Landowners Association – should be rightly worried that this action by the county is just kicking the political hot potato down the road. The Ward County Commission has, to date, expressed a marked lack of respect for the position of these groups and the families they represent. Profound skepticism is only rational.

However, ongoing dialogue and negotiation is the preferred means to resolve the principled chasm here. It is the way forward and a comp plan review is an opportunity for progress in a greater context, as well as a means for additional changes to be made, whether those are introduced by the county or by concerned parties.

A review of Ward County’s comprehensive plan is wise and can be an opportunity for numerous parties to come to the table – but it will take time. Hopefully, done properly, it will help address questions and problems today, and those yet to come in the decades ahead.