Ed Sperry’s LTE dated August 31st contains inaccuracies. He claims Friends of the Bitterroot “… filed a suit in federal district court to stop the Westside Collaborative Vegetation Management Project …” The truth is that Friends of the Bitterroot did not file any suit, and did not litigate the project. It should also be pointed out that objections or lawsuits in no way impeded the implementation of the project.
Mr. Sperry calls Friends of the Bitterroot a, “… hodgepodge group of self appointed, elite eco-fascists” and refers to the group as “fools of the Bitterroot.” It’s a tired effort of disparaging remarks, such as “obstructionists,” “analysis paralysis,” “frivolous lawsuits” or “eco-terrorists” (this list could go on). At this stage one expects more than disrespectful name calling.
I feel blessed to live in the United States where we have a constitution designed to protect the rights of all citizens, not just citizens who might have a different view than my own. Every citizen has a constitutional right to question government agencies and to use the judicial route if needed, to oppose their government. It’s not wrong; it’s part of living in our democracy.
I encourage Mr. Sperry to contact the Bitterroot National Forest to get a clearer picture on the specifics of the Westside Project before making more assumptions.
Gary Milner
Corvallis