The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is a volunteer driven group of concerned residents from North Idaho and Western Montana with over 3,500 supporters who believe that our region would benefit from protecting the 88,000-acre Scotchman Peaks roadless area through wilderness designation.
Ecological Benefit of Wilderness Designation for the Scotchmans:
- Protect water quality, rare, endangered and sensitive flora and fauna (including grizzly bears, canada lynx, mountain goat, wolves, bald eagles and bull trout).
- Additional habitats not well represented in the National Wilderness Preservation System (low elevation boreal forests and cedar/hemlock communities.)
The Scotchman Are Well Situated for Wilderness because:
- Less than 4% of the Kootenai Forest is presently protected as wilderness;
- No new wilderness has been designated on this forest since 1964;
- The Kootenai has less wilderness than any other national forest in Montana;
- There are 0 acres of designated wilderness in the five Idaho Panhandle counties.
Dispelling Myths – Wilderness Designation for the Scotchmans Does NOT:
- Close any existing roads;
- Limit hunting, fishing, hiking, berry picking or any non-mechanized activities (in fact it enhances these activities);
- Impact any existing, or proposed, timber or mining jobs.
Economic Impact – What Wilderness DOES do:
- Local communities will benefit from the unparalleled recreational and economic opportunities which wilderness provides;
- Many studies have indicated a strong link between protected public lands and diverse, vibrant western economies;
- We are shifting from extraction-based industries to business dependent upon natural beauty and “quality of life” which wilderness can provide.
We Have Received Resolutions of Support or Endorsements From:
| Governor Schweitzer of Montana | Bonner County Commissioners |
| City of Thompson Falls | Cities of Sandpoint and Ponderay |
| Plains & Paradise Chamber Commerce | Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce |
| Bonner County Daily Bee | Sanders County Ledger |
| Sandpoint Kiwanis | River Journal |
| Idaho Native Plant Society | Libby Rod and Gun Club |
| Bull Lake Rod and Gun Club | Montana Wildlife Federation |
| Montana Backcountry Horsemen | Spokane Mountaineers |
| Wildhorse Plains Backcountry Horsemen | Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs |
| MT Chapter Backcountry Hunters/Anglers | Plains Grange |
| Rotary Club of Sandpoint |
Wilderness designation for the Scotchman Peaks makes both ecologic and economic sense for our region, for our families, for our future.
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You can read more information on these endorsements by viewing our Endorsements page.
