To the men and women who served our country

Dear Veterans,

During my current run for commissioner of Sanders County I have taken in much information. My eyes have been opened to many issues concerning the use of National Forest. The Cabinet Mountain Wilderness area is located approximately 15 miles southwest of Libby and goes to just north of Noxon. This area along with almost 5 million other acres in the Northern Region became part of the National Wilderness Preservation Act of 1964. It is “Defined as Untrammeled by man where man himself is a visitor.” These 94,272 acres contain some of the most beautiful sub-alpine scenery in western Montana. Variety best describes the high rocky peaks and huge groves of cedars nestled in the canopied valleys. There are scores of deep blue lakes feeding clear cold streams that tumble into the moose country below. It sounds beautiful doesn't it?

Would you and other veterans like the opportunity to visit this pristine area? Well, unless you are healthy enough to hike for miles, can afford your own horse or pay an outfitter; you the disabled and aged servicemen and women will most likely never set eyes on this unparalleled beautiful scenery. These wilderness areas now designated as road less don't allow any wheeled vehicles including wheel chairs or other wheeled medical apparatus. As we all well know many of our veterans are disabled or infirm. No one in a wheel chair, those with a breathing machine or other ailments could possible make the long difficult hike. Aged veterans and those with disabilities who honorably served our country should not be a discarded population saddled with the belief that they either don't, can't or even want to enjoy our forest and public lands. However, banning motorized vehicles whether they are ATV's, off-road vehicles, motor homes, pick-ups, cars or snowmobiles, will essentially ban this population from our public lands because these vehicles allow them access.

But wait there is more. The Scotchman Peaks area is 88,000 acres located just across Highway 56 from the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness. The Friends of Scotchman Peaks group is proposing this as a Wilderness Roadless area and is actively trying to persuade Congress to change its designation. I urge all veterans who believe by definition “public” means…”of the people as a whole”….. “Open and shared by all”……. write their Governor and Congressmen, Governor Brian D. Schweitzer, Congressman Denny Rehberg. If you have any concerns or questions please feel free to contact me at 406-847-9564.

Cindy Iverson

Candidate for Sanders County Commissioner