LETTER: Support changes in forest plan

In late May, the U.S. Forest Service published its proposed alternatives for the management of the Flathead National Forest. The management plan ultimately selected will be in effect for the next 20 years — and most likely well beyond that. So this is important to all of us. Until the public comment period ends Oct. 3, we have the opportunity to weigh in on the alternatives, and the Forest Service will consider our input.

Montana Wilderness Association hopes you’ll consider voicing your support of a proposal offered by the Whitefish Range Partnership. The Wilderness Association, along with others representing the full range of values and interests in the Whitefish Range, helped develop the proposal for this portion of the Flathead National Forest. The proposal includes recommending 83,000 acres of wilderness in the Hefty, Tuchuck, and Thompson Seton roadless areas, enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities in the range, and supporting our local timber partners.

Montana Wilderness Association is also urging the Flathead Forest to recommend expanding the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area northward along the Swan Range to include the Bunker and upper Sullivan Creek areas that should have been part of The Bob when it was created 52 years ago.

We are fortunate that generations before us had the foresight to set aside special areas. It’s hard to imagine our part of the world without Glacier National Park, The Bob, and the other wilderness areas (designated or recommended) around us. Please join us in speaking up for wilderness by taking part in the Flathead Forest planning process.

If you would like to join us for a hike or to get more information on our activities, please contact Amy Robinson, MWA Northwest Montana Field Director, at arobinson@wildmontana.org or at (406) 284-1747.

—John Repke, Whitefish, MWA’s Flathead-Kootenai Chapter President