Now is the time to protect the Scotchmans

Forty years ago, visionary leaders organized the first Earth Day offering hope for a healthier planet. Every year the anniversary of Earth Day reminds us that we have a chance to do something positive for our planet. Honoring the vision of Earth Day, we invite you to step up and join us in protecting the Scotchman Peaks as wilderness.

The Scotchman Peaks form a rugged backbone along the Idaho/Montana border. Steep and deep valleys hold diverse communities of plants and animals, clear flowing streams and precious solitude. In addition to grizzly bear, mountain goat, lynx, wolverine and bull trout, the Scotchmans are also home to an abundant and wide array of more common animals and plants as well as people. Hunters prize the trophy elk found in the Scotchmans. Hikers marvel at moose and are spellbound by scenery that has been described as “like walking into heaven.” Lingering snowmelt nurtures prized huckleberry patches before flowing clear and clean into Lake Pend Oreille.

 Preserving the Scotchmans would also bring added economic value to surrounding communities. Western counties where protected public lands enhance the “quality of life” have the greatest economic vitality. From telecommuters to tourism; from relocated businesses, to retirement and second homes, wilderness attracts people.

On the Idaho Panhandle, there are many rugged roadless areas, but none are protected as wilderness. While the Forest Service has managed the Scotchmans for its wilderness values, Congress must act to designate wilderness. And we must step up to ensure they do. Over the last five years of community conversations, we have heard an overwhelming consensus in Idaho that the Scotchmans should be protected as wilderness to keep them just the way they are now.

In Idaho there has never been a better time to protect the Scotchman Peaks as wilderness. In the halls of Congress, wilderness is one of the few issues which continually draw bipartisan support. For the last several years, our Idaho congressional delegation has been actively championing other wilderness areas in our state. We must let them know they must protect the Scotchmans as well.

I can think of no better way to honor Earth Day than to ask our congressmen to do the right thing and designate the Scotchman Peaks as wilderness. Such actions would help fulfill the promise of Earth Day. Protecting the Scotchmans would be honored by future generations the way we honor and remember the original Earth Day. You can help us create a legacy for the future by asking your congressman to designate the Scotchman Peaks as wilderness.

Take a moment and write your members of Congress. It can be an e-mail or a handwritten note or typed letter. It can be short or long, but will be most powerful if you tell them why the Scotchmans are important to you.

Visit our Web site to find out more: www.ScotchmanPeaks.org.

n Philip J Hough is the chairman of Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness.