Some days our work is incremental, where progress can be measured by each supporter we sign up as a friend, or conversation we have with a community leader or by each event we host. Progress can seem pretty dull. But, this spring we have taken some big and exciting steps forward!
As part of our Winter Tracks program we sponsored a day of learning in the ‘outdoor classroom’ at Round Lake State Park for the 8th Grade of the Forrest Bird Charter School. 18 volunteers, along with park staff, school teachers and 54 positive and bright students made for a wonderful day of discoveries in a natural environment. To see an album of photos from the day go here.
In February, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to the Idaho Delegation asking that they introduce legislation to designate the Scotchman Peaks as Wilderness. This letter, signed individually by each Chamber Board member, represents a very impressive list of prominent business people from our community! You can read the full text of the chamber’s letter here.
In a letter dated March 17th Montana Governor Steve Bullock expresses his support for Wilderness designation for the Scotchman Peaks. You can read the entire letter here.
On Tuesday March 24th, the Bonner County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution calling upon the Idaho Congressional delegation to take action on legislation to designate the Scotchman Peaks as Wilderness! The commissioners’ vision and leadership represents strong support from the community, from a wide range of people. You can read the full text of the Bonner County Commissioners resolution here.
The impact that the commissioners resolution will have will be huge. This is big news. The front page of both the Spokesman Review and Bonner County Daily Bee carried articles the next day and within 24 hours the Associated Press spread the story to more than 50 media platforms around the regions, country and even overseas!
You can read the Daily Bee Article Here and the Spokesman Review Article Here
With all these achievements, the real work is just beginning.
Now is the time to speak up for the Scotchmans, to thank the commissioners for their resolution and to let the congressional delegation know that now is the time for them to get a bill introduced into congress. We are seeing a critical mass of support develop for Wilderness designation in Idaho and hope that you will want to be part of it.
For information about how you can help, go to our take action page and add your voice to those who are talking about the Scotchman Peaks!
www.scotchmanpeaks.org/you-can-help/contactelecteds/
