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Jim Petersen’s article regarding the “Shifting Values…” in forest management (Wednesday, October 26, 2016) was informative and instructive. He revealed how the forest lands managed by the USFS have become “fire traps” due to their inadequate management, as well as that Mr. Petersen thinks that more of the same, throwing more good money at the problem, is the solution. By calling for Congress, most members of which are not from the West, to “…adequately fund the Forest Service wildfire budget…”, he is supporting the continuation of the same USFS practices which will result in even more “fire traps”. There is a better way.

The Montana Environment and Property Research Center (perc.org), and in particular Holly Fretwell (“Divided Lands”), as well as the American Lands Council (americanlandscouncil.org), have published many solutions to the slash pile that is the current federal government lands management operation. Each illustrates how timber and recreation management by several western states is 3-8 times better than by the BLM and the USFS. They do require cutting the cord to the federal government and assuming local management. The evidence indicates that the “…risks to economically vital state and tribal forestlands, wildlife habitat, water quality, our much-admired outdoor lifestyle and outdoor recreation industries…” would be greatly reduced and our income base would be expanded and improved. The naysayers will use fear tactics to prevent those changes. They will offer no solutions, only more of the same. You make the choice.

JEREMY CONLIN

Cocolalla