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The Scotchman Peaks are truly a special and unique gem. Ask anyone who has made the arduous hike to the top of Scotchman Peak and enjoyed the spectacular view across Lake Pend Oreille and the mountains of North Idaho and western Montana. The terrain is steep, rocky, and rugged. Mountain goats, bears, elk, and mountain lions are the permanent residents.

Wilderness as described by the Wilderness Act is an area when the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. Typically these areas are remote and rugged. Most states do not have a wilderness. In Idaho we are fortunate to have these special places.

There are many misconceptions about wilderness. These are not parks. These areas are free and open for use by all. Hiking, camping, mushroom gathering, berry picking, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding are permitted. The air will remain clean and water will remain clear. Wildlife and native vegetation will be protected from human threats. The area will remain public land overseen by the United States Forest Service and wild fires can be extinguished.

What are not permitted are road building, logging, construction and mining.

The only thing that will change if the Scotchman Peak is declared wilderness is the security of knowing this area will not change and future generations can enjoy it in its pristine state as it is today. As a practicing forester for 35 years I know the importance of working forests providing fiber for jobs in area mills while reducing fuels and the risk of catastrophic forest fires. But, I also realize that some areas are special and are best left natural for ourselves and future generations.

GARY SUPPIGER

Cocolalla