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We all love our forests and we like to be in them to appreciate their beauty and wildlife. Wilderness designation sounds like a wonderful idea. Let nature take its course. However, please remember that modern fire control is not an option in designated wilderness areas, only to prevent fires from exceeding the boundaries of the wilderness.

Do we really want to be closed up in our homes during our peak outdoor season because there is a raging inferno in our back yards? We already get enough smoke from other forest fires in the Inland Northwest as well as field burning south of Coeur d’Alene. Please read Tony McDermott’s letter (Daily Bee, April 21), which also covers other issues associated with a wilderness designation.

Smoke is a serious health hazard to some of our residents, as well as being very unpleasant for the rest of us. Air quality is extremely important. We don’t smoke in most restaurants anymore. Why make it impossible to use modern fire fighting procedures to control a forest fire in a designated wilderness area? Wilderness fires in Montana few years ago caused severe problems for many, North Idaho residents included.

Forest fires are hard on everyone, even in managed forests. Managed forests however, not unlike our managed gardens, are healthier than wilderness areas. There has been a large amount of funding from outside interests to promote this designation. Please consider carefully before voting in favor on this advisory.

PATRICIA THURSTON

Sandpoint