Letters to the Editor: 1999 - Kettle Range Conservation Group

Dear Editor,
An opinion poll taken in the last month found that 72 percent of the voters surveyed in the West support President Clinton’s roadless areas protection proposal. I do too.

More than half (51%) of National Forest lands have been developed, eighteen percent are permanently protected. The remaining 31percent are wild but unprotected.

The divide & conquer folk like to portray efforts to protect public lands as the big lock-up — everything west of the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean — they claim. Most of us are smart enough to know fiction for what it is – a good style for books & movies.

If you live in wealth, would it be right for you to claim you are poor? Why then when we have God’s country in our midst do we accept claims that protecting wild national forests will result in catastrophe?

It’s interesting that Slade Gorton calls the Clinton proposal a big wilderness protection scheme. It would be nice if it were true, but it’s not. Wilderness can only be protected by Congress. Authority for establishing the Clinton proposal rests with the Forest Service – not Congress . Gorton knows that, he’s just pining for eastside votes.

The real issue is how to protect what America and Washington residents care deeply about: clean water, good hunting & fishing, a place to get away from a chaotic pace of life, to seek adventure and taste the freedom that can only be found in wild places.

That’s an opinion that most American’s agree with.

Tim Coleman
Republic

Dear Editor
Some see wilderness and its preservation as a threat. Others, like members of Kettle Range Conservation Group, see it as a blessing and an irreplaceable treasure chest of clean water, excellent fishing & hunting, beautiful scenery and a place to relax and reconnect with reality apart from the chaotic pace of life.
Washington’s remaining wild forests take on greater significance than they did even 35 years ago when the Wilderness Act was first passed by Congress. Let’s face it. The rate of change is tremendous. Our population is projected to increase by 50% in just the next 25 years! That’s equivalent to 14 cities the size of Spokane.
What makes Ferry County unique and different than 95% of the other counties in the U.S. is its abundant wilderness. The economic paradigm of “supply & demand” tells us we’ve got a winning ticket if our heritage includes the preservation of these places.
Forest Service research shows that roadless wild forests are strongholds of fish and wildlife. Preserving wild forests also protects Native American treaty rights and sacred sites.
I’m very much in favor of a balance. Of course we can’t go back to the days of Daniel Boone – that’s history. However, we can preserve what little remains of the ancient forest. Consider that less than 3% of the Colville Forest is permanently protected. That’s not enough to meet society’s needs or enough to provide homes for endangered fish, wildlife & plants.
Will wilderness protection change things much? No. The beautiful Kettle River Range will not be clearcut or sliced to ribbons by landslide prone roads. Where you hike, hunt, ride a horse, fish, ski or snowshoe, will remain. The big difference is that nature will be allowed to take its course, naturally.
Is there too much wilderness? No. Only about 4% of the U.S. is protected as wilderness (10% in Washington state). There is 103.6 million acres of Wilderness in the U.S., over half of which is in Alaska.
I wonder what Boone (Crazy Horse, Teddy Roosevelt, Aldo Leopold, et.al) would say today if asked if there was too much wilderness protected?
Tim Coleman
Kettle Range Conservation Group

What remains clear is that corporate interests whose bottom line is big profits want access to these forests. In order to sway public opinion some use fear tactics. They say wild forests will be destroyed by fire, insects and disease, even though these natural processes have always been part of the forest ecosystem.

But I ask, if this were true, why weren’t the forest all dead when humans first came to this region? Why after 12,000 years of Native American settlement were such grand ancient forests seen by the European immigrants?

In just the last 150 years, thousands of species of plants, fish and animals have gone, or are on the brink of going, extinct. Half of these are forest dependent There is no period in history that rivals this rate of extinction. These extinctions parallel continent-wide development of rivers, clearcutting of ancient forests and expansion of human settlement.

Dear Editor,

At the direction of President Clinton, the U.S. Forest Service recently announced a new policy to protect wild national forests across America from clearcuts and development.

Not since the days of President Teddy Roosevelt have such sweeping changes to America’s national forest policy been proposed. Roosevelt understood that wide spread clearcutting of ancient forests would eventually destroy the great American wilderness and so established the National Forest System. However, the timber industry quickly found a way around Roosevelt’s forest preserves, once again opening them to logging and other develop.

Presently less than 3% of the Colville National Forest is permanently protected. In poll after poll a majority of Americans support protecting all remaining unprotected national forest wilderness.

Congressman George Nethercutt calls the policy “irresponsible.” Perhaps this statement is a payback to Nethercutt’s financial backers in the timber industry.
Nethercutt attempts to lay the blame for the policy of East Coast urbanites. Certainly these folk must be entitled to have a say in this matter since national forests DO belong to all citizens of America? Certainly taxes paid by residents of the East also pay for forest management and therefore subsidize so called “timber dependent” communities?

Nethercutt has never supported protecting wild forests in eastern Washington. He says it’s a “lock-up.” Curiously, that’s just what the timber industry says. And I ask, which is a lock up: 1) when hunters, fishers, hikers, riders and skiers use an area over and over again, or 2) when it is clearcut?
Critics say that wild forests cannot survive without some form of chainsaw “health” treatments. In reality wild forests have survived thousands of years through drought, insects and fire.

Please support immediate protection for all wild national forests 1,000 acres and larger including the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. No exceptions!
The vast majority of the landscape has been developed in some way, protecting the small remnants of our wilderness heritage will be a legacy for which future generations will be thankful. Let’s insure that they inherit a world that is at least as clean and beautiful as the one we enjoy today. Please send your comments to:
USDA Forest Service – CAET
Attention: Roadless Areas NOI,
P.O. Box 221090
Salt Lake City, UT 84122.
E-mail: or on the web: www.ourforests.org.
Tim Coleman
Kettle Range Conservation Group
Republic, WA
509-775-2667

Dear Editor,

At the direction of President Clinton, the U.S. Forest Service recently announced a new policy to protect wild national forests across America from clearcuts and development.

Presently less than 3% of the Colville National Forest is permanently protected. In poll after poll a majority of Americans support protecting all remaining unprotected national forest wilderness.

Critics will say that wild forests cannot survive without some form of chainsaw “health” treatments. In reality wild forests have survived thousands of years through drought, insects and fire.

National Forest Roadless Policy:
Protecting our Common Heritage
Recently, the U.S. Forest Service announced a new policy that may protect wild national forests across America from clearcuts and new road development.
Not since the days of President Teddy Roosevelt have such sweeping changes to America’s national forest policy been proposed. Roosevelt understood that wide spread clearcutting of primary forests would eventually destroy the great American wilderness and so established the National Forest System. However, the timber industry quickly found a way around Roosevelt’s forest preserves, once again opening them to logging and other develop.
Less than 3 percent of the Colville National Forest and none of the eastern Okanogan National Forest are protected wilderness. In poll after poll a majority of Americans support protecting all remaining wild national forests as wilderness.
As good as it portends to be, the proposed policy is an administrative action that can be undone by a new administration or, as in the case of the 1995 Salvage Rider, by a fiat of Congress. Only more protective designations such as Wilderness or National Monument status will insure that wild forests will continue to exist into the distant future.
The Pacific Northwest is the most unique landscape on Earth. Daunting mountains, rivers and deserts create a quilt of constantly changing nature art that is a joy to behold and explore. From the rainforests of Puget Sound to the eastside’s pine and larch forests you can drive, ski, hike, ride, hunt, fish, boat and bike in stunningly beautiful wild country.
Wild forests are extremely important to the region’s future economic prosperity and social well- being. These forests are a primary source of drinking and irrigation water. Roadless areas provide key habitats for bull trout, salmon, grizzly bear, caribou, elk and lynx.
Forest Service Chief, Michael Dombeck recently stated that national forests are fragmented by over 380,000 miles of roads, enough to circle the Earth 15 times. Unfortunately this road system is so poorly maintained that an estimated $8.4 billion repair backlog currently exists. Exacerbating the situation, Congress is only appropriating 20 percent of the funds necessary to repair and maintain the system.
Over the last decade the Forest Service has lost on average $800 million per year on its timber program. Much of this loss stems from money losing sales in roadless areas.
Please support protecting all wild roadless forests 1,000 acres and greater. Your comments are important and should be sent to::

Tim Coleman
Kettle Range Conservation Group

State Renegs on Loomis Deal

Dear Editor,
This past week the Washington State Board of Natural Resources voted to increase the price for protecting 25,000 acres the Loomis State Forest to $16.5 million. That’s an increase of almost $3.5 million more than the price set last year. But that was last year.
To top it off, BNR has given conservationists and supporters of the deal, 6,000 in all, just ninety days to come up with the money or face a new, uncertain appraisal.
The BNR’s rationale is baseless, relying on logging all of the 25,000 acres in just 20 years. The Dept. of Fish and Wildlife thinks that approach is probably illegal. Even the timber industry does not follow such management schemes on land it owns. The original timetable used in appraisal calculations was 80 years. The BNR’s 20 year approach is not conservative – it’s radical.
Once again the BNR proves that it is an ineffective regulator when it comes to protecting public resources including habitat for endangered species. The Loomis is home to one of the last viable populations of lynx in the lower 48 states. Scientists and local residents who have a keen interest in lynx management say that is no accident. The Loomis and nearby Pasayten Wilderness
provide the necessary seclusion habitat the shy and reclusive lynx needs to survive.
State officials and school directors are pitting the future of students against the survival of a species. If there is a lesson to be learned from all this it is that Washington’s system of school financing needs updating.
Keeping your word is another.
Tim Coleman
Republic, WA 99166

Dear Editor,
By now, many of you have either heard of, or seen the petition opposing national forest Wilderness preservation. You may have even signed the petition unaware of it’s many half-truths and outright lies. These include:
 Lie: No berry picking.
Truth: Berry & mushroom picking are allowed and enjoyed by many.
 Lie: No horseback riding, no llama packing.
Truth: Horseback riding and packing (including llamas) are permitted.
 Lie: Discriminates against elderly.
Truth: Wilderness is open to young and old alike, and is a good place for grandparents to teach their children about the world apart from malls and television.
 Lie: Discriminates against handicapped.
Truth: Wheelchairs are allowed, handicapped residents use and enjoy Wilderness.
 Lie: Use of a 50 pound pack is needed to go very far.
Truth: People enjoy short and long distance day hiking where very light packs are used. Technological advances have reduced the weight necessary to take long distance Wilderness adventures. If you don’t like to backpack, ride a horse.
 Lie: No fire control.
Truth: Fire control (including prescribed fire) can and does occur in Wilderness areas.
 Lie: Wilderness requires buffer zones, i.e. private property.
Truth: The Wilderness Act can preserve only federal lands.
I would venture to say that opponents of Wilderness have never even hiked in one. Otherwise, they wouldn’t make such untrue statements.
Public lands that qualify as potential Wilderness, and for which protection is being sought, are primarily marginal timber lands that are not cost-effective to road and log without taxpayer subsidies.
Use of motorized vehicles and mountain bikes in Wilderness is prohibited. However, consider that these uses are permitted on the MAJORITY of the national forest, state and private lands. There are many good reasons for these prohibitions, but especially the danger these devices pose to hikers and horse riders travelling narrow mountain trails. Many opportunities exist for creating new trails for mechanized recreation that are outside proposed and designated Wilderness.
Regarding school funding: our children’s education is as much a product of their environment as it is the classroom. Wilderness is nature’s classroom. Sustainable funding for schools is needed that is NOT tied to a boom and bust timber economy, or the destruction of ecosystems and critical fish & wildlife habitats.
Tim Coleman
Kettle Range Conservation Group

Dear Editor,
In a recent letter to the News-Miner, an attempt is made to tie Wilderness protection with water-use restrictions in the Methow Valley. However, water-use restrictions there are the result of the salmon listings. Opponents of Wilderness employ doublespeak attempting to persuade us that National Forest preservation discriminates against people by not allowing any access, except it seems, to those willing to lug around a huge backpack.
Wilderness provides a stable source of clean water. Wilderness is the last refuge for many fish, wildlife and plants. It is also a place where you can ride a horse, walk, camp, ski, snowshoe – or even use a wheelchair – and enter a world that still exists apart from the increasingly chaotic pace of our everyday lives.
It may be a coincidence that anti-wilderness zealots are associated with corporations poised to profit from developing the last wild forests, but I don’t think so. My grandma told me long ago, “if there’s money it, someone will be doing it.” And so it goes.
Corporations want unrestricted access to natural resources despite citizen opposition. To achieve this goal strategies are employed including demonizing any person or thing that gets in the way. In the case of Wilderness, opponents have created a false image that people are not allowed, and the forest will be destroyed by bark beetles or fire and only logging can fix the problem.
It is certainly not the workers employed in natural resource industries that are behind the opposition Quite the contrary. Most are kindred spirits who enjoy Wilderness as much as anyone. The reality is that we are all victims of a economic system that devalues people and natural resource conservation (including Wilderness) even while it pretends to care.
Some rural folk think preserving what remains of our wild national forest land is a radical concept. But, isn’t it the land that makes us who we are? Is it not the landscape that was the attraction that brought us here? Is it not the forest that provides clean water, a place to roam, and homes for fish and wildlife, too?
A few people in this community pit neighbor against neighbor to achieve their political goals. And, who sound the call to support local business even while creating an atmosphere that is hostile to residents and tourists. In the world of finger pointing fear is a potent motivator.
Northeast Washington’s beautiful surroundings are what make our home so unique. The few wild forests that still remain here are priceless Economically, we’ve got a winning ticket if we act to protect our heritage (and that of future generations) by preserving these areas as Wilderness.
With regards to motorized access, consider that less than 3 percent of the Colville National Forest is preserved as Wilderness. More than half the Forest has been logged or otherwise developed and over 4,000 miles of roads have been built.
Genna Swan Porter
Tonasket

Dear Editor
September 3rd marks the 35th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Singed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, this Act and it’s protection of America’s most beautiful landscapes, is unparalleled elsewhere in the world.
Wilderness has shaped our culture since the beginning of time. Legends of great adventurers such as those of Lewis & Clark, Daniel Boone and many others are filled with accounts of personal fulfillment found in the wilderness.
In northeast Washington we are fortunate to be close to wilderness, yet much of this remains at risk of development. Areas such as Abercrombie-Hooknose, Kettle River Range, Granite Mountain, and Grassy Top are but a few remaining islands of the once vast wilderness.
Our responsibility to protect unique public lands as Wilderness is clear. These remaining wild forests and grasslands serve a variety of essential public values, such as providing pure water, clean air and unmatched scenic beauty.
Whether hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, skiing or canoeing, wilderness provides unmatched outdoor recreational opportunities. In addition these areas are ecosystem strongholds for imperiled fish, wildlife, and plants.
Protecting Wilderness makes good economic sense. Without exception all counties in the Columbia Basin with protected Wilderness have been prospering economically. Businesses and people are attracted to regions with a high quality of life. Wilderness gives the guarantee that in the future that your favorite hiking, fishing or hunting spot will still be there. Or, that a beautiful, uncluttered view from your home will remain that way.
Most of Washington’s drinking and irrigation water flows from forested mountains. The cleanest, most stable sources of water come from wild forests.
According to the Sporting Good Manufacturers Association, by the year 2000, recreation activities on National Forest land will generate $97.8 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Forest Service estimates are that just the water flowing from our National Forests is worth $3.7 billion annually. This figure does not include water-related recreation or fishing. On the other hand, value estimates of jobs related to National Forest logging is just $3.4 billion annually.
Despite our shared reverence for Wilderness, most Washingtonians are unaware that many of the beautiful places they enjoy every year are at risk. At any time, unprotected wilderness in the Colville, Okanogan, Wenatchee and other National Forest could be opened to development
It just makes good sense that we protect what little wilderness remains for future generations.
Timothy Coleman
Kettle Range Conservation Group

Dear Editor,
September 3rd marks the 35th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. Singed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, this Act and it’s protection of America’s most beautiful landscapes, is unparalleled elsewhere in the world.

Wilderness has shaped our culture since the beginning of time. Legends of great adventurers such as those of Lewis & Clark, Daniel Boone and many others are filled with accounts of personal fulfillment found in the wilderness.

In eastern Washington we are fortunate to be close to wilderness, yet much of this remains at risk of development. Areas such as Jackson Creek, The Meadows, Kettle River Range, Granite Mountain, and Pasayten Rim are but a few remaining islands of the once vast wilderness.

Our responsibility to protect unique public lands as Wilderness is clear. These remaining wild forests and grasslands serve a variety of essential public values, such as providing pure water, clean air and unmatched scenic beauty.

Whether hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, skiing or canoeing, wilderness provides unmatched outdoor recreational opportunities. In addition these areas are ecosystem strongholds for imperiled fish, wildlife, and plants.

The anniversary of the Wilderness Act should remind us how generous we as a society can be. But also, how much we have changed the world around us. Hopefully, in the face of dramatic change and exponential population growth, we will continue to see the intrinsic values that Wilderness provides to society. And, the timeless gift it can be to all the world.

Timothy J. Coleman
30 Horseshoe Lane
Republic, Washington
509-775-2017

On Saturday, August 28th and September 4th group hikes will be held in the Kettle River Range.
The first hike will be to Emerald Lake in Hoodoo Canyon. Hikers should meet @ 10 a.m. at the Trout Lake trailhead. To reach this trailhead take Highway 20 east of Sherman Pass to just past milepost 336 (336.87). Trout Lake Road is on the north side of the highway, but is marked by a sign on the south side of the road. Meet at 10 a.m. at the trailhead. Allow 4 hours to complete the 6 mile roundtrip
A second hike in the Kettle River Range will be held September 4th. Hike from Wapaloosie trailhead to Albion Hill trailhead. Meet at 10 a.m. at Albion Hill Rd. & Highway 20, east of Sherman Pass near milepost 323. This hike is moderately difficult and approximately 10 miles in length. Allow 6 hours to complete the one way journey.
Sponsored by Spokane Mountaineers and Kettle Range Conservation Group. For more information or to carpool call 509-775-2667.

Tiffanny Mt. Hike Sunday, Aug. 22
Hike Freezeout Ridge to beautiful, panoramic summit
Looking for a cool place on a hot day and a chance to explore your local national forest wilderness? Well then take a hike to the top of Tiffany Mt. this coming Sunday, August 22nd. Tiffany Mt. is the highest summit in the Tiffany Range. Excellent 360 degree views of the Cascade Mountains, Loomis State Forest, Pasayten Wildereness, Twentymile and Thirtymile Peak and Granite Mountain Roadless Area can be found on this lofty 8,242 foot mountain
Hikers should meet at 10:30 a.m. at the parking lot at Freezeout Ridge Trailhead. The trail is moderate to strenuous difficulty and about four miles one way. Allow 6 hours for the round trip.
Directions
• From Riverside take road 9260 to Conconully. Road 9260 will join road 9229. Continue (right) on 9229 to Conconully. Then take road 2017 (to Peacock Meadows). Turn right at Forest Service road #37. Then turn right on Forest road #39 to the Freezeout Trailhead.
Bring a couple of quarts of water per person, food, sun cream, sunglasses and clothing suitable for weather conditions – and a good pair of walking shoes or boots. Be prepared for cooler weather on top. Bring polypropylene or wool undergarments and a wind breaker to help guard against chills.
For more information or to carpool call 509-775-2667. Sponsored by Kettle Range Conservation Group.

Mt. Bonaparte Hike this Sunday
Hike Myers Creek Trail to Bonaparte Lookout
Looking for a cool place on a hot day and a chance to explore your local national forest wilderness? Well then take a hike to the lookout on top of Mt. Bonaparte this coming Sunday, August 1st . Mt. Bonaparte is the highest peak in the U.S. portion of the Okanogan Highlands. Excellent distant views of the North Cascades, Kettle River Range and Canadian mountains can be found on this lofty perch.
Hikers should meet at 10 a.m. at junction of roads 33 & 300. From there a short drive up Road 300 leads to the trailhead. The hike is moderately difficult and approximately 4.5 miles in length (one way). Allow 4 hours for the round trip.
Directions
• From Havillah take Forest Service Road 33 (Lost Lake Rd.) to forest road #300.
• From north Ferry County take Toroda Creek Road to junction of road #9480 (to Beaver/Beth Lakes), then take road #32 just before Beaver Lake and then take road 33 to Lost Lake and continue to road #300.
• From the south take Bonaparte Lake turnoff off Highway 20 and then to road #33. Continue past Lost Lake to the intersection of roads 33 &300.
Bring a couple of quarts of water per person, food, sun cream, sunglasses and clothing suitable for weather conditions – and a good pair of walking shoes or boots. Be prepared for cooler weather on top. Bring polypropylene or wool undergarments to help guard against chills.
For more information call 509-775-2667. Sponsored by Kettle Range Conservation Group.

Dear Editor,
Recent allegations accusing the National Forest timber sale appeal process as having reduced payments to schools is incorrect. The assumption is that appeals have led to reduced timber cutting, thereby affecting 25% Fund payments to states. In reality, no timber sale locally has been entirely canceled as the result of an appeal.
What is true, however, is that projected timber sale volumes have gone down dramatically over those projected in Colville and Okanogan Forest Plans. A Government Accounting Office report recently noted that Forest Plans had projected unrealistically high logging levels. The fact remains, however, that levels have been reduced by the Forest Service.
Appeals are almost exclusively used as tools to improve forest management. Of course, the definition of “improve” is hotly disputed among the many citizen organizations who have a stake in public forest management.
The 25% Fund, established in 1908, was designed to promote “economically healthy and diversified rural communities.” The Fund established a 25 percent payment to states with National Forest lands within their borders. States then redistribute the funds to counties for roads and schools based on forest acreage.
The record logging levels of the late 80’s and early 90’s have declined significantly as have payments to states. These reductions are not due to appeals, but rather are a result of new scientific findings, efforts to protect fish, revisions of Forest Plans to protect the northern spotted owl and others. These reductions taken together with the historic boom and bust cycles of the timber industry, clearly underscore the need for a new approach to fund schools.
The 25% Fund — logging to county payment connection — does not promote economic stability, but rather has led to conflicts of purpose and financial uncertainty. As Benton County (OR) Commissioner, Patsy Miller has said, “it is inappropriate to link county revenues to the harvest of trees on our federal forests. Such a financial incentive often influences counties to support unsustainable forest management practices.”
The Clinton Administration and Congressional representatives are presently proposing legislation that will fix this problem by establishing a guaranteed payment to states at a rate equal to the amount received in 1997, or 76% of an average of the payments received between 1986-1990, whichever is greater.
As Washington state’s population continues to grow, more pressure will be placed on the National Forests to provide clean water, outdoor recreation and refuge for fish, wildlife and plants. Managing the National Forests to maximize timber production runs contrary to these needs, and is opposed by a majority of its public owners.
Tim Coleman
Republic

Dear Editor,
A June 1 letter from Shirley Allemandi of Loomis criticizes the Loomis Forest Fund for taking school trust land away. The letter also attempts to pit our children’s education needs against the needs of endangered species.
As always, behind the scene of the anti-Loomis rhetoric, are the “good old boy” networks who have a vested interest in maintaining control over publicly owned land. It ‘s about time resource extractive industries, Okanogan school boards and legislative officials stop misleading the public.
The Loomis transfer protects our wilderness heritage for recreation, animals and plants, but it will also provide more money for school construction than logging could. Part of the money that conservationists will pay the School Trust Fund is slated for long term investment that will generate a perpetual flow of money to schools.
The Loomis transfer is good for the land and good for Washington’s schools. That’s why over 4,000 Washingtonians have contributed to its protection.
In the face of a the states’ huge population growth (projected to double in 50 years), we must protect sources of clean water, as well as areas important to recreation and wildlife.
The Loomis transfer is about citizens toadying up their hard earned cash to protect public recreation and the best lynx habitat in the state. Certainly this is a model of personal altruism: pay state schools for their timber and land assets just for the satisfaction of having helped schools and the future of Washington’s forests, water & wildlife, and tourism industry?
Timothy Coleman
30 Horseshoe Lane
Republic, WA 99166
509-775-2017

Big Lick Trail Day June 19th
Mark you calendars. The 9th Annual Big Lick Trail hike and maintenance day is planned for Saturday, June 19. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at Aeneas Creek Road and Highway 21 (the second road on your right north of Malo. What to bring: sack lunch, water, gloves and adequate clothing for weather. Tools will be supplied by the Forest Service. Refreshments will be provided.
Big Lick Trail access is located up Aeneas Creek Road about a mile past the second cattle guard (top of steep grade). There is a trail sign on the right side of the road. A short access road leads to a grassy, open park-like stand of ponderosa pine. Park here. Walk a short distance downhill to a gate and look for the trail that begins with a jog to the left off the old road. The trail has great vistas looking west toward the Cascade Mountains. From beginning to end the hike is approximately five miles, crossing three creeks, and ending at the Kettle Crest Trail. An additional short hike may be taken from this intersection to Ryan’s Cabin.
FUN for the whole family. Come out and enjoy a short or long hike in the beautiful Kettle River Range and help maintain this lovely historic trail. Sponsored by the Kettle Range Conservation Group. For more information please call 775-2667. Big Lick Trail Day is part of the National Trails celebration.

Dear Editor,
State Senator Bob Morton’s recent editorial in the Seattle Times criticizing affluent Seattlites for their support of protecting 25,000 acres of the Loomis State Forest smacks of hypocrisy. He forgets that over 3,000 Washingtonians from around the state have contributed to this effort, including over 200 from Okanogan County..
No stranger to affluence, Morton lives his up-scale life on a mountain lake next to a richly forested area of the Colville National Forest and State School Trust Lands. I dare say most citizens would give their life savings to enjoy such opulence.
A supporter of reduced government influence, it is ironic that Morton faults citizens for toadying up their hard earned cash to protect public recreation and the best lynx habitat in the state. Certainly this is a model of personal altruism: pay state schools for their timber and land assets just for the satisfaction of having helped schools and the future of Washington’s forests, water & wildlife, and tourism industry?
Rather than act as an arbiter, a facilitator of public discourse, Morton instead fuels disagreement. The “great divide” between western and eastern Washington he refers to is one that he and his like-minded colleagues continue to reinforce in eastern Washington. If the new economic reality that helped diversify Seattle’s economy has not reached the 7th District, perhaps its due to the “us versus them” mindset.
It’s time real leadership. And, time to stop the seemingly endless castigation of people, who although may have a somewhat different opinion than you or I, are nonetheless our neighbors.
Timothy Coleman
Republic

Dear Editor,
Last week Senator Slade Gorton successfully attached a rider to a military and disaster relief spending bill that overrides a U.S. Dept. of Interior and Agriculture ruling that found Houston-based Battle Mountain Gold Company’s proposal to open-pit mine Buckhorn Mt. in Okanogan County violated the 1872 Mining Law.
Gorton said he did not believe “that the government of the United States, in a free society, has the right to treat its citizens and constituents in this fashion.”
Orwellian double-speak at its best, Gorton has defined a corporate interest as a citizen, clearly showing the chinks in his legislative authority. He is beholding not to citizens, but to corporate backers and their select minions in the rural community who masquerade as grassroots interests.
Enacted into law 127 years ago, the 1872 Mining Law permits minerals on public lands to mined for virtually nothing and National Forest and other public lands to be purchased for $5 or less an acre.
Mining corporations have put a stranglehold on “modernizing” the 1872 Law for decades, using their insider dealings to derail attempts to not only reform mining law, but even the cleanup of thousands of unreclaimed polluting mines left abandoned after minerals were extracted.
Gorton said he didn’t know the “specific date of the ruling” that he was overriding, only that he wanted to correct a law “that doesn’t meet the purpose that it’s designed for.”
The design that Mr. Gorton speaks of is really the veil of corporate control.
Timothy J. Coleman
Republic, Washington
509-775-2667

Dear Editor,
Last week Senator Slade Gorton successfully attached a rider to a military and disaster relief spending bill that overrides a U.S. Dept. of Interior and Agriculture interpretation of the 1872 Mining Law. This ruling found that Houston-based Battle Mountain Gold Company’s proposal to open-pit mine Buckhorn Mt. in Okanogan County violated this law.
In an interview with the Post-Intelligencer, Senator Gorton said he did not believe “that the government of the United States, in a free society, has the right to treat its citizens and constituents in this fashion.”
In his haste to “do justice” it appears that Senator Gorton has defined a corporate interest as a citizen. Orwellian double speak at its worst, Gorton’s defense clearly shows the chinks in his legislative authority. He is beholding not to citizens, but to corporation backers and their select minions in the rural community who masquerade as grassroots interests.
Enacted into law 127 years ago, the 1872 Mining law promoted development of underground hard rock mines at a time when the Congress and powerful economic interests were promoting settlement and industrial development of the West. The Law permits minerals on public lands to mined for virtually nothing, public lands to be purchased for $5 or less an acre, and other practices that make “fair” market seem like a joke.
Mining corporations have put a stranglehold on “modernizing” the 1872 Law for decades, using their insider dealings to derail attempts to not only reform mining law, but even the cleanup of thousands of unreclaimed, polluting mines left abandoned after minerals were extracted.
Senator Gorton was also behind the infamous Salvage Rider that overturned every protective environmental statute governing National Forest management (save Wilderness) on the books. The result was predictably a windfall for timber corporations and a loss to the taxpayer.
What irks me the most about Gorton’s rider shenanigans is that he purports to serve common everyday people by his actions. Rather than assist in balancing the often divergent and confrontational interests of his constituents, he instead deals in stealth legislative tactics that deepen citizen distrust of government and further polarize already contentious public issues.
The five creeks that flow from Buckhorn Mountain all flow into the Kettle River. The jobs go to Okanogan County, but over time the waste will go to Ferry County.
Gorton said he didn’t know the “specific date of the ruling” that he was overriding, only that he wanted to correct a law “that doesn’t meet the purpose that it’s designed for.”
The design that Mr. Gorton speaks of is really the veil of corporate control.
Loomis Forest Slide Show & Talk, April 15th at Kiwanis Hall
Mark Skatrud, president of Friends of the Loomis Forest, will present a slide show and talk on the ongoing efforts to transfer a portion of the Loomis Forest into a state-owned protected reserve The show is set to begin at 6:30 p.m., April 15th at the Kiwanis Hall The program is free and open to everyone. Come listen and ask questions.
Fast approaching is the July 1 deadline for amassing the necessary $13.1 million needed to protect 25,000 acres of the Loomis State Forest. Thus far the Loomis campaign has received donations exceeding $4 million from over 2,500 individuals. What’s at stake is some of the best remaining wildlife habitat in Washington. The Loomis is home to the largest, most healthy population of lynx in the lower 48 states.

Dear Editor,
Water management is becoming an ever increasingly contentious issue in Washington, resulting mostly from increases in population and new water hungry industries. Particularly in eastern Washington, water is a subject hotly debated, especially when it comes to meeting the needs of salmon and trout.
The preeminent water issue is how to maintain sufficient instream flows needed by fish and aquatic life to survive summer low flows and high temperatures.
During the dry summer months water is withdrawn for irrigation. Increasingly, new water withdrawals come from wells created for new homes and other development. Withdrawals adjacent to rivers and feeder streams reduce instream flows. In dry, hot summers cumulative water withdrawals from streams and adjacent wells can lead to low flows, high water temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels that are deadly to fish, their redds (eggs in gravel) and fry. Minimum instream water flows are necessary to insure fish survival.
Currently there are six bills moving through the Washington Legislature that address water management. Proposed methods to monitor instream flows, such as metering, and closing loopholes to the current 5,000 gallons/day exemption are proposals under consideration. Metering is proposed to provide baseline data that can improve water management.
These and many other water use issues face our state as it’s population and associated water consumption continue to grow.
Daniel Beard, a nationally recognized authority on water use, recently stated, “water use is subsidized at rates that are impossible to justify.” In the West this “has resulted in overuse of water, and instream use [being] undervalued.”
In areas, such as the Methow Valley, water consumption has reached its maximum. Changes to water management there and elsewhere in the region are inevitable. Improved efficiency in water usage is one way that all of us can help conserve water and protect cold water fisheries.

Tim Coleman
Republic

Dear Editor,
I wish to respond to John Webster’s editorial regarding the National Forest policy prohibiting new road construction in unroaded wild forests. It seems Mr. Webster thinks “multiple use” of our public forests means logging, mining and roads, wherever the “local people” want them. If the elitist taxpayers from Spokane, Seattle or New York who shoulder most of the financial burden of managing the forests don’t like it – tough.

Mr. Webster doesn’t appear to care about the numbers — that most Americans don’t want the remaining wild backcountry trashed, or more roads built — because they have to fork over the cash to repair the environmental damage.

Let’s put this all in perspective. About 7.6% of the U.S., or 191 million acres, make up our National Forests. Of this 191 million acres, about 18% is protected as Wilderness, 52% is developed with roads, clearcuts, mines, etc., and 30% remains wild but unprotected. Forest Service Chief, Mike Dombeck, says there is an $8.5 billion backlog in road maintenance and repair on the existing national forest road system – a system large enough to circle the Earth 14 times — so why build more roads when the current system is not maintainable?

Increasingly we see permits and reservations required in our Wilderness and parks because of high use. We need to protect what remains of our roadless wild forests to meet increasing public usage — not build more roads through them that we can’t maintain, and that pollute clean water, destroy fish, wildlife and recreation. John, it’s a no brainer.

Timothy J. Coleman
Kettle Range Conservation Group
Republic, WA
509-775-2667

Dear Editor,
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the wilderness in the Kettle River Range. My family and many others go there often to hike, ski, ride horses, snowshoe, fish and hunt, but mostly just to relax. The wild backcountry is a great place for that.
Atop the high mountains one can see for over a hundred miles on a clear day. There is something about the freshness in the air and distant views that kindle a sort of awakening of the spirit. It’s hard to be unhappy on a clear day, atop a mountain surrounded by wild forests.
Washington is uniquely blessed with beautiful mountain Wilderness. So often we forget that most of the world does not have so many beautiful mountain retreats, which may be why Europeans, Japanese and other world travelers come to vacation here. New residents, business and financial investment are attracted to the region for similar reasons.
The wild forests of the Kettle River Range, Abercrombie-Hooknose and Salmo-Priest area are a unique part of northeast Washington. These mountains are nearly as wild now as they were a thousand years ago, but the inexorable forces of development continue to tear big pieces out of these pristine publicly-owned forests. The time has come to protect these few remaining wild forests as Wilderness, so that future generations may know and appreciate the beauty, challenge and spiritual renewal that are found there.
Wilderness is the land of many uses including hiking, skiing, camping, hunting, fishing and horseback riding. Wilderness is so heavily used in some areas of the Washington that advance reservations and limits to group size are being instituted. A 1996 study by Forest Service scientists Swanson and Loomis in fact forecasted that public use of wilderness-type recreation areas would continue to grow and will, by year 2000, begin to overwhelm the existing protected areas.
One of the most important uses of Wilderness are it’s clean and stable water flows that are a natural buffer against floods. Most of Washington’s drinking and irrigation water begins as snow and rainfall in forested mountains. The cleanest and most dependable water supplies flow from wild forests.
Wilderness attracts tourists who shop in our local stores, eat at our restaurants, stay in our hotels and golf, swim, hike, hunt and fish at local resorts.
Wilderness is our common heritage and the legacy of our ancestors. It has been part of our culture since the beginning of time. I think it would be wise to pass on this heritage to our children’s, children.
Tim Coleman
Kettle Range Conservation Group

Dear Editor,
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the wilderness in the Kettle River Range. My family and many other local residents go there often to hike, ski, ride horses, snowshoe, fish and hunt, but mostly just to relax. The wild backcountry is a great place for that.
Atop the high mountains one can see for over a hundred miles on a clear day. There is something about the freshness in the air and distant views that kindle a sort of awakening of the spirit. It’s hard to be unhappy on a clear day in the Wilderness.
Washingtonians are uniquely blessed with beautiful mountain Wilderness. So often we forget that most of the world does not have so many beautiful mountain retreats, which may be why Europeans, Japanese and other world travelers come to vacation here.
The wild forests of the Kettle River Range are a unique part of Ferry County. These mountains are nearly as wild now as they were a thousand years ago, but the inexorable forces of development continue to tear big pieces out of this pristine public land. The time has come to protect these remaining wild forests as Wilderness, so that future generations may know and appreciate the beauty, challenge and spiritual renewal that are found there.
Wilderness is the land of many uses including hiking, skiing, camping, hunting, fishing and horseback riding. Wilderness is so heavily used in some areas of the Washington that advance reservations are needed to camp overnight. A 1996 study by Forest Service scientists Swanson and Loomis found that public use of wilderness-type recreation areas will continue to grow and will, by year 2000, begin to overwhelm the existing protected areas.
One of the most important uses of Wilderness are it’s clean and stable water flows that are a natural buffer against floods. Most of Washington’s drinking and irrigation water begins as snow and rainfall in forested mountains. The cleanest and most dependable water supplies flow from wild forests.
Wilderness attracts tourists who shop in our local stores, eat at our restaurants, stay in our hotels and golf, swim, hike, hunt and fish at local resorts.
Wilderness is our common heritage and the legacy of our ancestors. It has been part of our culture since the beginning of time. I think it would be wise to pass on this heritage to our children’s, children’s, children.
Tim Coleman
Kettle Range Conservation Group

SCRUTINY OF LOOMIS DEAL, WELCOMED
The Loomis Forest Fund responded openly to criticisms levied by Okanogan Valley school boards against the appraisal of Loomis State Forest lands proposed for transfer. The Fund welcomes public evaluation of the appraisal and has done its best to meet the information needs of the school boards and others. But the Fund also believes that the boards have a responsibility to bring forward only quality information and criticism in public statements about the appraisal.
“These are public lands and the public and trust deserve the best appraisal to make sure they capture the full market value,” said John Whitecar, a member of the Fund’s steering committee and owner of a private appraisal business in Okanogan. “The school boards could really help the process by hiring professionals to do a formal review, as conservationists have done. I’m not sure the comments of school directors to date have helped in that way, as they haven’t been very well informed.”
The appraisal of the Loomis transfer lands was done by the S.A. Newman firm, of Everett, under contract with the DNR. To date, four independent and professional reviews of the appraisal have occurred. The Loomis Forest Fund has contracted the experienced timber appraisal firms of Mason, Bruce and Girard, and the Healy Company, both or Portland. The DNR has contracted Wayne Parris and Jackson & Prochnau, both of Olympia. All four firms are licensed appraisers. All four reviews found the appraisal to be of high quality. Additional information from these reviews is provided below, contrasting with allegations from the school boards.
The final price for the Loomis transfer most likely won’t be established until next fall. Conservationists must raise enough money by July for the DNR to begin the legal process and public hearings required before a transfer can occur. After those steps, an update of the appraisal will be contracted to track changing market conditions. Then the Board of Natural Resources will consider the transfer and its price, likely late in the year.
“The school boards still have plenty of time to do their homework,” said Whitecar.
Meanwhile, the Fund continues to raise money toward the transfer. About 2,500 Washington citizens have donated thus far, including almost 150 from Okanogan County. More than 20 Okanogan County businesses have endorsed the campaign. Recent Loomis fundraising events in Tonasket and Mazama have each drawn over 80 supporters.
Additionally, the campaign and potential transfer got a recent boost when three separate bills, introduced by Senator Bob Morton, each threatening to derail the transfer, died without coming up for vote in the Senate Natural Resources Committee.

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