By Cameron Rasmusson
Reader Staff
I don’t know about you, but the natural environment is one of the biggest reasons Ben and I love living in Sandpoint. Even a total desk jockey like me can appreciate looking out the window to a gorgeous landscape of mountains and trees.
That’s why we love what the Friends of the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness are doing. Scotchman Peaks is an invaluable part of the natural environment for both Idaho and Montana. The Friends’ diligent efforts to secure wilderness status for this untamed mountain paradise is a gift to future generations.
What’s the point of wilderness status? It means that the Scotchman Peaks are protected in perpetuity from being sold off or developed. It also will enable the protection of its wilderness characteristics and the countless flora and fauna that rely on it. You know you’d be sad to lose those iconic mountain goats, even if you’re one of the unlucky, bitten few.
I suppose I have a double motive in endorsing the Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, having grown up in Libby, Mont. Wilderness designation isn’t just important for Sandpoint—it’s a benefit to this entire tri-state region. I like knowing kids will have the same opportunities to explore the natural world that I did.
The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness have already secured endorsements from dozens of regional businesses, politicians, nonprofit groups and government organizations. Ben and I are happy to add the Reader’s name to the list. You know our stamp of approval will make those politicians in Washington snap to and take notice. And if not … well, we figure we can’t do any harm.
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The area has already been preserved quite nicely. Selling it off, being developed, disappearing goats? Wow, you left out nuclear waste disposal. None of things will happen, it’s defacto wilderness now, except without the additional rules, bureaucracy and even bigger crowds. This push has definitely caused the WILD increase in visitors and the subsequent closure of the peak to the public. There’s your gift. As long as the large numbers continue to throng to the peak, the goat issue will not go away.