No headline

The Scotchman Peaks Wilderness Act recently introduced by Sen. James Risch is worthy of support. It’s an artfully crafted bill based on input from the community.

For example, the Lightning Mountain area was left out of the wilderness proposal because snowmobilers like to ride there. A resident of Clark Fork wanted to know if the proposal would impact access to Lightning Creek Road. So the western boundary of the area was drawn more than 300 feet away from it.

At least one reader suggested that the wilderness proposal is a waste of time because there are no threats to the area like logging or mining. Suffice it to say, if logging or mining were occurring in the area, then the proposal would not enjoy such broad support. Instead, the proposed wilderness has the support of Idaho Forest Group.

When I hike to the summit of Scotchman Peak, I find inspiration not just in the views and the mountain goats, but also the enjoyment of the area by people. In age when technology dominates our daily lives, there is nothing better for us than to go outside and enjoy nature. These experiences are important to the people of day and the people of tomorrow.

The Scotchman Peaks are a special part of Bonner County. In an era of congressional inaction, perhaps this idea has enough support to be acted upon. I encourage Sen. Mike Crapo, Rep. Raul Labrador, and Idaho Gov. C.L “Butch” Otter to get behind this bill and do all that they can to get it passed into law.

BRAD SMITH

Sandpoint