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Our national forests are suppose to be for multiple use. Wilderness is a use. Snowmobilers, mountain bikers, and ATV enthusiasts already have access to millions of acres.

The 13,900 acres of the Idaho portion of the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is less then one percent of the public land in northern Idaho. This land is generally too steep and rugged for timber, and commerial development. #A wilderness area would help protect the watershed that flows into the Clark Fork River, and Lake Pend Oreille. It would provide a reservoir for plant and animal biodiversity. It is one of the last strong holds of the mountain goat.

Most importantly, we have an obligation to future generations to leave a portion of the Earth untouched and wild, so they can experience the natural world.

The time to save wilderness is while we still have it. Once it is gone it will be gone forever.

DAVID HEEP

Ponderay