Now is the time for the Scotchmans

The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness have been climbing the path towards Wilderness designation for just over ten years. Now, we believe we have the summit in sight!

From out of town visitors walking along the Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail to long-time residents looking up from Lake Pend d’Oreille, Scotchman Peak serves as a beacon to both welcome and to “ground” us here. Star Peak guides folks as they travel up and down the Clark Fork Valley. The ancient Cedar trees along Ross Creek Cedar are a solemn place drawing people from miles around to renew their spirit. We are fortunate to call this landscape our home.

In reaching out to groups and individuals in our communities and advocating for the preservation of the Scotchman Peaks, I have come to realize that most people who live in our area share a common set of values including a connection to the natural landscape.  We may express it in different ways, the exact language and nuances reflecting our diverse backgrounds and overlapping interests.  We all enjoy living close to nature. We cherish solitude, clean air and clean water and marvel at the critters who also share this landscape.  Preserving the Scotchman Peaks, as they are right now, for ourselves, for our families and for our future is highly valued by many in our community.

For the rest of the letter, see the print edition of the Bonner County Daily Bee or subscribe to our e-edition.