Precedent calls for a smaller habitat

According to published estimates, there are about 46 caribou in North Idaho. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are proposing that these fabled caribou be given exclusive access to 375,562 acres of public and private land in North Idaho.

I agree that caribou habitat is needed and may be reserved; however, I believe that 375,562 acres is, historically speaking, far too much land. I propose that the caribou be designated no more than 8.74 acres of pristine North Idaho forest land. That’s right, 42,970 times less than has been proposed by the government. How did I come to this number? After successfully waging a peaceful war on the U.S. government in September 1974, there were 67 remaining Kootenai Tribe members who were eventually deeded 12.5 acres from the federal government. Parceled out, each member of the Tribe was given about 0.19 acres. This set a precedent.

Any rational person would correctly conclude that a region’s native caribou should not be given more than its native people. Therefore I propose that each confirmed caribou be given no more than 0.19 acres. This would equitably and generously provide the 46 caribou with 8.74 acres. This leaves the remaining 375,553.26 acres to be shared by all the inhabitants of North Idaho, just as it has always been.

MATT SCHREINER

Bonners Ferry