Lolo National Forest Planning
| I applaud the Lolo National Forest Planning Team for having retained the 1986 Recommended Wilderness Areas as a starting point in the Forest Planning process. One of the most essential modifications is to mirror the designations described in the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act (BCSA) with the Forest Plan. Those designations in the Missions and Swans are the product of a collaborative process by a diverse group of Montanans over the past 20+ years. The Great Burn is one of the wildest areas in the Lower 48 and provides vital habitat for wolverines, mountain goats, grizzly bears, and other sensitive species. It is critical that the Forest Service continues to designate the Hoodoo recommended Wilderness along the same boundaries that have been in place for nearly 40 years. The Cube Iron-Silcox area is a wild roadless complex that provides excellent connectivity between the Cabinet, Bitterroot, and Mission Mountains. This area is a perfect candidate to be managed as recommended Wilderness to protect species connectivity and ensure opportunities for quiet recreation. In closing I want to express my appreciation for the USFS seeking and absorbing a wide variety of recommendations during the Forest Planning process. — Lee Boman, Missoula |