by Andrew Kasten, Hamilton
Being new to the Bitterroot region it’s expected my opinion doesn’t hold the sway of a long time resident. Still, I find it necessary to weigh in with the recent proposition to clean up a huge tract of Bitterroot Forest.
To my view, both sides of this supposed “debate” are after the same thing; a safe and preserved heritage landscape, for our human and natural residents, now and into the future.
Leaving the forest completely unmanaged is too extreme a response while a serious danger looms. It’s also too extreme a response to clearcut huge tracts of land.
If there were a challenge to be met, it would be doing a responsible cut and clear that places hard limits on old growth while allowing for on-site assessment of smaller sections of area that can be assessed and dealt with as their characteristics dictate. It will also train and allow time for our valuable workers in accommodating this huge task.
WE are ALL a part of this beautiful land and so let’s bring it together in our, already aligned, efforts.