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After summiting the snowy crag, Scotchman Peak, for the first time about a week ago, I appreciated Jim McKiernan’s Thanksgiving editorial, urging our congressional delegation to permanently protect this place.

To the very top of Scotchman, my party of three hiked completely alone. On our way down, we ran into two friends and a couple from Spokane — pleasant folks with whom we felt fortunate to share such a glorious day. Looking out over the expanse of snow covered trees and rock, it’s clear — every inch of this place deserves protection.

As Jim noted, at Thanksgiving we set aside time, as a country, to remember and reflect on our values and show gratitude for our many blessings. It’s a fitting comparison to a wilderness area — a place we set aside that reflects our values and creates the space for us to exercise our gratitude for the wonderful part of the world in which we live. For us in North Idaho, that place is the Scotchman Peaks. Our congressional delegation should indeed introduce a bill to permanently protect the many values and qualities we are thankful to have and to find in the Scotchman Peaks — solitude, friendship, beauty, respect for the land and wildlife. As contentious as our community can be, we are all thankful for these things, which is clear by the wide local support for a Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. Our U.S. senators and representatives should introduce a bill and join us in the gratitude we have for this beautiful place.

MATT NYKIEL

Sandpoint