Collective input needed about public land development
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Editor,
Once again the issue of how we should best use our public lands is causing deep thought by many public owners. Ideally, to reach a consensus, it would be best if all three of our elected representatives were in agreement. The reality is they’re not. We’ve had some recent victories like the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act – a product of many user groups working through the collaborative process and finally being protected by law.
The latest example of this collaborative process – Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, has the input and approval of the many stakeholders. Senator Tester has introduced legislation in 2017 to finalize this Act but it is still working its way through the process. The suggested designated wilderness area additions are special areas worthy of being protected by federal law.
The lands identified in the 1977 Wilderness Study Act are of another issue. Senator Daines and Representative Giantforte seem to feel all of the public stakeholders aren’t entitled to public hearings as to the disposition of these WSA’s, but we, their constituents, feel open hearings should be held. Before these pristine lands are opened to damaging use, let’s demand an open collaborative process and begin to examine the disposition of these lands. These valuable pristine lands help drive our tourist industry and have direct economic value by remaining intact.
So let’s get on with the bottom-up approach and not accept the topdown decision making now going on. We need collective input before hasty decisions are made.
Roger Norgaard
Polson
