Reader calls into question Forest Service leadership ability

Letter to the Editor,

Last week, I was in a restaurant in Libby, and overheard people talking about our Forest Service not doing their jobs.

On this, a Montana friend gave me August Loggers World, a trade journal for the U.S. timber industry:

Loggers published an exposé by Jim Rathbun, signed “Retired Supervisor, Kootenai National Forest.”

Writing for “Letters,” retired KNF U.S. Forest Service Supervisor Rathbun expressed:

“I certainly understand why the Forest Service is a failed Agency. I have never seen such poor representation in my 55 year association with the Forest Service.”

I’m told, “Timber is being cut on Forest Service lands, and there is no record of any money being paid for this timber;” and I find it puzzling that no permits have been issued giving permission for those taking the timber.

Apparently, no money was received or permits granted for activist Forest Service “timber sales.”

Also, I’m told, “Rock has been drilled-and-blasted, and then, it is (or was) hauled off federal lands. —

Is this not a crime to do so?

All said, “Water is being pumped off our national Forest Service lands without any permits being issued.

There are no legitimate reasons declared: then, why is all this water not being paid for?”

One considers, “Isn’t excessive water in timber watersheds imperiling the wildlife, indigenous vegetation and endangering the bull trout? —

Does the constant pumping of water annoy grizzly bears and other animals?

What about humans?

Is the forest no longer a peaceful, safe place?”

I must then ask, “What happens if the water purification plant fails?” — will not harmful metals such as lead and arsenic get into the forest watershed ecosystem?”

Could this be like a major oil spill? “Forever!”

It’s way too late after happening, especially without doing practical means: preventive caution like, “let’s ‘stop pumping water’ unless proven absolutely indispensable!”

If all the water, rock and timber removal is done without oversight and/or permission by the Forest Service, then what about related vehicular traffic in a sanctioned grizzly bear habitat?

In summation, “where do you go for answers?

Our Forest Service does not know how to deal with all these ‘presumptuous activities’ then who truly ‘does know’ how to deal with this?”

Who’s “manning the store” in Northwest Montana?

Rathbun ended: “We need to have the resources on the national forests managed for multiple-use. Wildlife, timber (and rock) watersheds, fisheries, recreation, range, etc, all benefit from intensive multiple-use management.

It has been proven.

Unfortunately, I don’t believe the Forest Service has the leadership or the personnel with the capability to do that.

Certainly not the will.

— Joy French

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho