Celebrating and wondering

Many people are celebrating the recent introduction of a bill into Congress that would protect the Idaho portion of the Scotchman Peaks area as Wilderness. Idaho Senator Risch introduced the bill into Congress on Dec 8. There is good reason to believe it will pass into law next year, with the support of the entire Idaho delegation of four Republicans.

The Scotchman Peaks proposed wilderness straddles the Idaho/Montana state line in a high, rugged mountain range between the Clark Fork and Kootenai rivers. It represents the largest area of wild and undeveloped land in northwestern Montana that is not permanently protected.

Besides celebrating, many people are also asking “What about Montana?” Senator Risch’s bill protects only the Idaho portion of the Scotchman Peaks, and does not protect the larger potion in Montana. Only our Montana delegation can do that. People are asking “Can’t we join forces with Idaho and protect the entire Scotchmans area? If they can do it why can’t we?”

This is magnificent wild country, with pockets of giant old growth cedar, abundant native wildlife, huge rocky ridges and peaks, and stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille and the Cark Fork and Bull River Valleys as well as the glorious peaks of the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness, just across the beautiful Bull River Valley.

The rugged slopes of the Scotchmans are a natural for protection under the Wilderness Act. They are not suitable for roads or timber production, and Wilderness designation would not affect the Kootenai National Forest timber program in any way. There are no significant conflicts with mining or other uses.

In this time of such conflict and polarization in our nation, it is wonderful to think of following Idaho’s example, and unifying around a positive goal that is good for our communities, and that ensures current and future generations will have access to the spirit-lifting solace of this wild and natural place.

The Friends of Scotchman Peaks now have over 6,700 supporters, of which over 80 percent live within a two hour drive of the roadless area. We have also earned a great many endorsements from diverse people and groups on both sides of the Idaho/Montana border. Check out our website www.scotchmanpeaks.org for fabulous photos and more information. We certainly invite one and all to sign up as a Friend. It doesn’t cost a dime and we need all the supporters we can get to convince our Montana delegation to take action.

Doug Ferrell, Board Chair

The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness

Trout Creek, Montana