Guest Opinion re-printed from The Daily Bee - May 26, 2005
Why We Need Wilderness Designation For the Scotchman Peaks
Wilderness is a vital component of a balanced
strategy for managing our public lands. Multiple
use should recognize the highest value for
each area. Just north of Clark Fork, Idaho,
the west end of the Cabinet Mountains form
a rugged backbone along the Idaho / Montana
border. Steep and deep valleys hold pristine
microcosms of wild native plants and animals,
clear flowing streams and precious solitude.
Known as the Scotchman Peaks, the highest
value of this area is its wilderness quality.
Across the vast public lands of our region
there are many rugged roadless areas. On
the Idaho Panhandle none of these wild lands
are protected as wilderness and in Western
Montana only a small percentage of land holds
such protection. Some of these lands must
be set-aside as wilderness for ecosystem
protection as well as economic benefit.
The Forest Service has managed the Scotchman
Peaks area since 1987 for its wilderness
values. Preserving the Scotchmans retains
vital habitat for such threatened and endangered
species as grizzly bear, mountain goat, lynx,
and bull trout. Preserving this ecosystem
also helps other species remain healthy.
Hunters prize the large, trophy elk found
in the Scotchmans, and everyone marvels at
the moose. Preserving the Scotchmans provides
a source of clean, clear water flowing into
Lake Pend Oreille.
Preserving the Scotchmans makes sound ecosystem
sense; it also makes good economic sense.
The Scotchmans are not part of the current
timber inventory, because extracting timber
is far less economically viable in the Scotchmans
than elsewhere. Mining has not yet proven
to be a profitable activity. We are not against
these uses of public land. We believe there
is space sufficient for mining, timber, and
motorized recreation in areas suitable for
those purposes. Multiple use does not mean
every use takes place in every area. Some
uses are not mutually compatible. But there
is a place for everything on our public lands.
We believe that a comprehensive plan incorporating
sustainable use concepts can allow public
lands to provide for every need. We believe
such a plan would set aside the Scotchmans
as wilderness.
Preserving the Scotchmans would bring added
economic value to surrounding communities.
The Sonoran Institute has concluded that
western counties with designated wilderness
have the greatest economic vitality. Our
resource-based economies are stagnant. Population
growth and economic development in the west
will depend on the “quality of life” of a
community. Wilderness designation preserves
a significant aspect of that quality of life.
Wilderness attracts people who telecommute,
who relocate independent businesses, or who
are looking for retirement or second homes.
Such immigrants bring high levels of personal
and investment income to our area’s economy.
This leads to an increase in high-paying
professional jobs, such as architectural,
financial, business support and medical services.
Surrounding communities will also benefit
from the tourism that wilderness designation
brings.
Preservation becomes even more important
when faced with growth. Managing growth requires
a comprehensive look at land allocation.
Growth should not overwhelm or change those
characteristics which drive that growth in
the first place. Preserving the Scotchmans
will ensure wilderness benefits for generations
to come. We must let our elected and appointed
officials know we want to put the Scotchmans
to use for their highest value – wilderness.
Phil Hough
Jan Griffitts