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Wilderness is a designated area which will be protected, preserved and managed so as to preserve its natural state. Impact from human activities are minimal — it is a place where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.

I believe that the proposed Scotchman Peak Wilderness area is perfectly suited for wilderness designation, not only because of it being a very beautiful and unique area, but also because it contains quite rugged and steep terrain with no existing roads and few trails which will ensure that human impact is minimal. To truly experience the majority of the area, one has to follow game trails and be prepared to do some major “North Idaho bushwhacking.” That is exactly what makes the Scotchman Peaks so special and that is why I think it needs to be protected, so that everybody can have the opportunity to explore a truly wild place. We are very fortunate to have such an exceptional area in our backyard.

If the Scotchman Peaks area is designated as wilderness it will be administered for the use and enjoyment of everybody in such a way that it will ensure that the area is left unimpaired for all future use.

JOLANDA VAN OOYEN

Sandpoint