From Rick Bass

May, 2003 Update from Rick Bass

May 12, 2003

It was a decent snow year, with some good late season (March) snows boosting snowpack to almost average, which should help keep the fires somewhat in check, as long as the summer doesn't get too hot. The bears are out of hibernation, the first morels are starting to pop up, as are the fairy slippers, and the Kootenai National Forest Plan is continuing to take comments (through the end of May) for Forest Plan Revision--it's important to make your voice heard by sending a letter to the Kootenai, asking that the Yaak's last roadless lands be protected as wilderness. Send a copy to the local grassroots group defending the Yaak's roadless areas--the Yaak Valley Forest Council--at 155 Riverview, Troy, MT 59935 (or e-mail them at claymtn@hotmail.com), and be sure to send a copy also to your own legislators, as well as the three Montana legislators:

Rep. Dennis Rehberg U.S.House Washington, D.C. 20515

Senator Max Baucus U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

Senator Conrad Burns U.S. Senate Washington, D.C. 20510

U.S. Forest Service--Kootenai National Forest Attn: Forest Plan Revision 1101 Highway 2 West Libby, MT 59923

The Yaak Valley Forest Council (YVFC) has been very busy this last year, working on local stewardship and restoration projects, outdoor ed centers, and numerous other projects, in addition to roadless defense. They're low on funding, particularly in these days of donor-fatigue and lean budgets, and can stretch a dollar further with their staff of one-and-a-half than any other grassroots group I've been involved with. But what's needed more than dollars are letters: write today, please!

Thanks--


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