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Advocates for the permanent federal land seizure have been hard at work for many years gradually closing numerous trails in the Scotchman Peak/Lightning Creek area. They want the un-suspecting public to agree that nothing is going to change, because they have already instituted major change towards fulfilling a “wilderness designation.” Some would say with limited recognition by many living in adjacent areas. Trickling trail closures slowly over time has created a default wilderness condition that advocates now want to make permanent. A classic liberal process, effecting their will over the rights of use by others.

The list of trial closures is long and partially identified to demonstrate the significance of harm already done to public access; East Fork Road 1184, Mud Creek Road 340, Rattle Creek Road 473, Porcupine Lake Road 642, Bear Creek Road 1064, South Fork Wellington 1006, Auxor Basin Road 2240, North Fork Wellington Creek Road, Steep/Jost Creek Road, and Still Lake Road.

Vote against the permanent federal land seizure, aka “Scotchman’s wilderness designation” to roll back access encroachment and to keep multi-use access. Sen. Risch will concede to the county’s opinion. Tell Sen. Risch, no federal land seizures in our community by voting against. Against is the consensus opinion of local citizens as well as local and state officials. For voters removed from the Clark Fork area, this is our “living room” and an important issue to us. Again please vote against.

DAVID BANNING

Clark Fork