The Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is a cross-border, roadless proposed wilderness area with a majority of the acreage in Montana. Public use land management has always been a vocal and fundamental issue to Montanans. Our wealth of public lands are available to every resident and visitor – which makes Montana an extraordinary place. Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW) values responsible, multiple-use of public lands. Natural resource extraction, livestock grazing, motorized and non-motorized recreation all belong in Montana, and so does preservation of existing wild areas for future generations.
The proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness makes up 88,000 acres within the 4 million acres of the Idaho Panhandle and Kootenai National Forests. Multiple use means balancing the values of each place; NOT every use on every acre. Why keep the Scotchman Peaks wild?
The Scotchman Peaks are a good candidate for wilderness designation because:
- The proposed wilderness is steep and rugged terrain, not productive for timber harvest;
- There is no mining claim or activity within the proposed boundary;
- There are no existing roads and management would not change due to designation.
FSPW works to conduct education, outreach and stewardship to advocate for the preservation of the Scotchman Peaks Roadless area. This wild and pristine place in the Cabinet Mountains is the backbone of the Rockies and as a wilderness would ensure:
- Excellent habitat for big game;
- Preserve clean water source and provide watershed protection;
- Access to back-country recreation: hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and wildlife viewing.
Keeping wild places is not a partisan issue. Many who value the life-style and culture of northwest Montana were raised to understand the benefit of preserving public lands.
“The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value. Conservation means development as much as it does protection.”
–Theodore Roosevelt
Endorsements
Former Montana Governor Schweitzer
Montana Governor Steve Bullock
Bonner County Commisioners
City of Thompson Falls
Plains & Paradise Chamber Commerce
Plains Grange
Wildhorse Plains Backcountry Horsemen
Sanders County Ledger
Idaho Forest Group (owner of Riley Creek Millsite, Thompson Falls)
The Missoulian
Bull Lake Rod and Gun Club
Montana Chapter Backcountry Hunters/Anglers
Spanning the Idaho-Montana border, the Scotchmans begin west of Bull River Junction at Hwy 56 and Hwy 200. This nearby sanctuary is adjacent to the communities of Troy, Noxon and Heron, Montana, as well as Clark Fork, Hope and Sandpoint, Idaho.
FSPW efforts have been concentrated in Idaho since the organization formalized. With positive support in Idaho from businesses, the County Commission and congressional leaders, outreach efforts will be focused in Montana.
Links:
Become A Friend I Montana Prosperity Forums I FSPW Endorsements
