by Tami Paulsen, Stevensville
First, I want to express warm gratitude to the Bitterroot Star for all of your contributions to our little community over the years. I have enjoyed the paper since back in the 90s when the post office delivered it by paid subscription to my home’s mailbox. I guess that’s why I feel compelled to write my first-ever letter to the editor. I am writing in response to the front page article “Gold Butterfly forest project challenged” which appeared October 16, 2024. I feel it was very poor journalism, reporting the lawsuit’s proponent’s opinions exclusive of any comment (or indication that comments were sought) from the government agencies putting forth the plan (e.g., U.S. Forest Service or their regulatory agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
I am sad and disappointed to think about the likely effect of this type of one-sided reporting on community members who might not seek more information from other sources. How can this be in line with your stated Mission Statement of “ethically and responsibly striving to deliver essential news and information to our local community”? In our current environment of divisiveness, mistrust, and hard feelings, this is not helpful. Michael Garrity and his associates should be thanking you for the free advertising of their viewpoints.