Guest opinion

Forest Service plan fails

As a third-generation Montanan and 27-year resident of the Swan Valley, I have concerns regarding future management of the Swan Range, Bunker Creek and the Jewel Basin.

These special places define the fine quality of life we enjoy in northwestern Montana. They deserve greater respect and protection than they are being afforded in the Flathead National Forest draft plan. If you love these places, now is your chance to speak up.

I worked as a backcountry ranger on the Swan Front from 1979-1983, and have worked as a wilderness ranger in the Mission Mountains from 1979 to present.

I am glad the Flathead National Forest sets goals "to minimize or avoid social conflicts" and "minimizing environmental impacts and contributing to economic benefit of surrounding communities." But as written, the draft plan falls far short of reaching these goals.

In 1988, the U.S. Congress and Senate voted to forever conserve 80,000 acres of the Swan Range high country for hiking, hunting, horseback riding and other quiet forms of recreation by declaring it Wilderness. That bill was never signed to law, but provided clear direction about how the people want this range managed.

I wholeheartedly support the Forest Service recommendation for wilderness designation for the Swan Range (from Napa Point south to the Lolo National Forest boundary, as wilderness).

I would also like to see future wilderness designation for the northern Swan Range from Napa Point north to Jewel Basin. The rich habitat is fragile, high alpine that is easily disturbed by off-trail motorized travel. I have witnessed significant trail erosion caused by motorized travel and user conflicts in this area. In light of declining budgets and personnel, it would be far more cost effective to manage this area as future designated wilderness.

As the Flathead Valley grows there will be increased demand for quiet, natural areas like the northern Swan. The Flathead Forest would be wise to eliminate motorized recreation use north and south of the Jewel Basin. Motorized recreation will continue to damage traditional foot and horse trails and mountain meadows. Motorized use will harm wildlife habitat and destroy the quiet and solitude so many of us seek in the northern Swan Range.

Last year, Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth identified unmanaged recreation, specifically Off-Highway-Vehicle use, as one of the four major threats facing the National Forests.

He stated: "Each year, the national forests and grasslands get hundreds of miles of unauthorized roads and trails due to repeated cross-country use. We're seeing more erosion, water degradation, and habitat destruction. We're seeing more conflicts between users. We have got to improve our management so we get responsible recreational use based on sound outdoor ethics."

A small minority of national forest users ride snowmobiles, dirt bikes and ATVs. There should be places for them to do so. But the northern Swan is too special and too fragile for heavy motorized use.

The proposal to allow more motorized trail use in the north Swan Front is unwise. The Forest Service does not have the personnel to manage this use and curb abuses.

I also support future wilderness designation for Bunker Creek, key wildlife habitat adjacent to the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex.

The last Flathead National Forest Plan Revision recommended future Wilderness designation for the Jewel Basin but does not recommend it in the 2005 Revision. I have been hiking in the Jewel Basin for 25 years and have personally witnessed significant deterioration of conditions between people and on the ground.

In a recent hike up Mount Aeneas I encountered at least 100 people. As human population continues to grow rapidly in the Flathead Valley, there will be more recreational demands on the Jewel Basin. Future wilderness designation will protect and insure a quality visitor experience. The Forest Service would be wise to look to the future. That's what planning is all about.

Please visit www.swanrange.org to learn more about the Swan Range, meet some of your neighbors, and get involved.

Kari Gunderson

Condon