Industry shouldn't control public lands

North Idaho residents should know that our state Legislature has an interim legislative committee dedicated to the state taking title and control over federal lands in Idaho.

Our representatives in Boise and Washington, D.C., generally support industry interests over government regulation. It is not a great leap for the state, having taken title to federal lands, to decide to sell those lands to mining and drilling corporations for temporary revenue.

Regardless of political views, does anyone want a Schweitzer where the vistas are of mountains that have been ravaged for minerals? Imagine skiing while listening to the rumble and roar of mining operations. Do you desire to swim or fish in a lake contaminated with toxic waste? Maybe a favorite hiking trail is located atop a mineral lode. Think about it. Our area is desirable because of its beauty and access to wild areas.

Mining operations proliferated in the Silver Valley before the U.S. National Forests were formed. Lake Coeur d’Alene is still toxic, and efforts to clean up the mess have barely scratched the surface.

Contact your representatives to oppose this short-sighted and potentially devastating plan.

ANN WARWICK

Sandpoint