Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Opinion & Editorial

by Matthew Koehler, Executive Director, WildWest Institute

Now that western Montana has been covered with a deep blanket of snow it's a good time to look back on the wildfire season and examine some of the myths and facts associated with wildfires and federal forest policy.

You see, around here, rationally talking about these issues during the summer months is akin to talking politics or religion around the Thanksgiving table… it just doesn't work. But hopefully now that the immediate threat of wildfire has passed we can take an assessment of the situation that's bracketed by reality.

First, let's begin by putting these wildfires in perspective. Whether or not you accept the scientific evidence about global warming, the fact is that, on average, 78 days has been added to the fire season since the late 1980s. Think about this, folks. That's the equivalent of having a second summer.

To date, wildfires have burned 9.4 million acres this year nationally and while virtually each fire season since 2000 has been called "record setting" by the media, that's not true. During the "dust-bowl" era of the 1920s to early 1940s an average of 37 million acres burned in the U.S. every single year. In fact, the true "record setting" fire season was 1930, when 52 million acres burned nationally. But somehow, burning about 9 million acres in 2007 qualifies as "record setting."

Next, let's look at the claim that these wildfires are caused by lawsuits from environmental groups. This has become a mantra of sorts for timber industry lobbyists, some politicians and within a steady stream of letters to the editor. A mantra that gets printed in the paper largely unquestioned, unchallenged and uninvestigated by the news media.

One recent example is the Missoulian's coverage about the formation of a group in the Bitterroot calling themselves "Environmentalists with Common Sense." This group, which has also been running ads in the Ravalli Republic against the county's proposed streamside setback ordinance, doesn't like wildfires and smoke in the Bitterroot Valley and blames the current situation in large part on lawsuits from environmentalists.

This claim was printed in the paper without any evidence and despite the fact that the newspaper was previously given information that of 500 plus timber sales on the Bitterroot National Forest since 1985, 0.03% have been litigated.

Folks, while it is true that organizations such as the WildWest Institute make sure the federal government follows the law and best science when managing our public lands, the reality is that the vast majority of timber sales and fuel reduction projects in Montana go forward without litigation. Currently, there is only one timber sale - ONE - in the entire state that's under a court ordered injunction. Are we really expected to believe that this one injunction on a small timber sale is the reason that 800,000 acres burned in Montana this summer?

While a handful of other timber sales may currently be under litigation, there is nothing preventing the Forest Service from moving ahead with these logging projects and in nearly every case they are.

Ironically, however, the Forest Service is even having a hard time selling these timber sales because logging companies are simply not bidding on them. Reasons for this are varied, and while it may be politically convenient to blame environmentalists, the logging industry is faced with the lowest lumber prices in 35 years, a nation-wide slowing of home construction and potential bursting of the "housing bubble" and cheap lumber imports made possible by questionable trade policies.

The Forest Service is even having a hard time literally giving away timber. For example, the Forest Service's logging plans following the arson-caused Gash Fire in the Bitterroot National Forest have gone un-bid upon despite a bargain basement price of $1,497 for over 9 million pounds of timber. There is also plenty of evidence that logging contractors are sitting on numerous timber sales currently under contract in hopes of riding out the historically low lumber prices.

Finally, implicit in the claim that lawsuits are causing wildfires is also the notion that logging in the backcountry can prevent these wildfires and protect homes and communities. Such claims not only ignore the latest scientific research, but they also ignore the fact that some of the most significant Montana fires last year burned through heavily logged and roaded landscapes.

The Jocko Lakes Fire that was bearing down on Seeley Lake ripped through Plum Creek Timber Company lands that were among the most heavily logged and roaded in western Montana. Likewise for Montana's largest wildfire, the Chippy Creek Fire north of Plains. And the Black Cat Fire near Frenchtown burned through heavily logged forests, including a recently logged "healthy forest" timber sale on the Lolo National Forest that was burnt to a crisp.

Trust me, I hope that we never lose another home to wildfire in Montana, yet I also know that logging large trees in the backcountry has nothing to do with it. That's why it's so important for any fuel reduction work on national forests to be targeted where it will do the most good - near homes and communities, not in the backcountry.

The WildWest Institute is currently working with community members, county commissioners and business leaders from Lincoln County, Montana to Lemhi County, Idaho – and points in between – to help craft positive, sustainable solutions that create jobs in the woods protecting our communities from fire through careful and strategic fuel reduction.

We also helped form FireSafe Montana, which serves as a clearinghouse for homeowners seeking information, resources and assistance on community fire protection. And for the past two years we have literally rolled up our sleeves and joined forces with the DeBorgia Volunteer Fire Department for successful work weeks that created defensible space around the homes of elderly members of the community using proven "Firewise" principles.

As we all move forward, please know that our organization welcomes any help, ideas and solutions from interested members of the public, including those Bitterroot folks with so much "common sense." And we would also ask that the news media take seriously its duty and responsibility to more truthfully and accurately report on wildfire and forest policy issues so that public has all the information it needs to make informed decisions.

Some good news not reported

Dear Editor,

On the night of November 10th, 2007 an important news story happened that was not reported in the local media except by a new online news service at www.ravallicountynews.com.

A 20-year-old University of Montana student was trapped on a snowy and icy ridge in the Bass Creek area. While we all slept comfortably in our beds, courageous and dedicated men and women in the Ravalli County Search and Rescue and rescuers in several helicopters from Missoula and Spokane risked their lives to save this man from certain death. He was just feet away from slipping over a 1000 foot cliff.

The winds were incredible that night and the helicopters risked being blown apart. Search and Rescue members had to don ice crampons and ropes as they worked to save this man's life.

Why was this important and wonderful rescue story not carried by your paper? I would encourage everyone to go to the site mentioned and read of our good people who wait in the wings to rescue those who need help. My hat is off to them. Thank you for your service to us all. It seems that the news covers your efforts when the results are not good but when you actually save a life no one seems to take note.

God bless you all for your many hours preparing for such emergencies.

Dallas D. Erickson
Stevensville

Thanks from Clothes Closet

Dear Editor,

We have so much to be thankful for. We have had helping hands in so many areas the last two months! We are so grateful! Firstly, a twofold thank you to the First Baptist Church in Stevi. The youth group (30+ HS students) came by and helped clean out and organize our storage. What a job! Thanks all! Then Mr. Al Trout and his "crew" came by and put a shiny green "band-aid" on our roof. What a relief! We all have been juggling buckets for leaks for too long. Thanks, guys! We appreciate all your efforts and time. Helping hands from this community are what keep our doors open. Thanks for being such a great example. You may have noticed our fence has been repaired and we have spread some much needed gravel in the back area. We truly feel much more prepared to serve. I think Lois will be happy!

We were closed over the Thanksgiving weekend due to our Saturday volunteers being out of state. Another volunteer had stopped by to work for an hour, kindly letting someone in who needed blankets. Inadvertently, our volunteer's purse was taken from the shop. We understand that it may have been accidentally picked up with some other items. We are asking anyone who was let in on Saturday to look through their items or possibly in their car for her black purse. It is imperative that we get this back to her. There are serious health issues involved. The purse contained medications and medical papers she must have with her at all times. If you find that you or your child accidentally picked it up, or you know where it may be, please call 529-0015 as soon as possible.

We are currently in need of blankets and gloves of all sizes. We never seem to have enough. Please remember to come by and see us on First Friday!

Sara Schardt, Director
Clothes Closet

World AIDS Day reminder

Dear Editor,

December 1st is World AIDS Day and there was a time when church services were held to recognize, commemorate, and pray. I've tried to chase such a celebration down this year to no avail. I like to go and tell the same story each year.

Professor of Music John Ellis gave a lecture-recital in UM's Music Recital Hall on the phenomenon that is Johann Sebastian Bach. He went into some detail on the composer's musical notation, with the configuration of a cross sometimes appearing. He said of his subject, "We all ought to be on our knees."

John Ellis died of complications of AIDS. A Foundation for Liturgical Music exists in his name.

Christy Odum
Stevensville

Dear Editor,

Even though I am no longer appearing in the Bitterroot Valley, I am still leaving my mark.

I hope it is agreeable to those who have donated in the past to my Santa Program that the money remaining in the Santa account will be shared with some of the local pharmacies to help defray the cost of prescriptions for some of our elderly on fixed incomes.

It is still possible to "jump on the bandwagon" and make donations towards this most worthy cause. This can be done directly to Santa Smut at P.O. Box 215, Conner 59827 or to Santa Smut c/o Farmers State Bank.

We may be gone but not forgotten by way of helping some of our elderly enjoy a little less stressful Christmas.

With God's blessing for a merry Christmas and a happy healthy 2008, I leave you once again.

Santa Smut aka Smut Warren
Conner

Thanks to fire department

Dear Editor,

I would just like to thank all the fire department volunteers. They have been good to the whole town. Not too long ago they went to the school and did a presentation on fire safety. They are always at every parade. On Creamery Picnic they always do a demonstration on getting people out of cars. Last year the sixth grade went to the fire house. They are a very good fire department.

Marshall Barker
Stevensville

New band room wanted

Dear Editor,

I think we should have a new band room at school. Our band room is not in good shape. I am 13 and in the 7th grade. I think the school should give tours through the junior high so people can see how bad it is. I believe that we should get a new band room.

Marshall Fadely
Stevensville

Creamery Picnic is fun for all

Dear Editor,

I'm glad the people of Stevensville put on Creamery Picnic. The Creamery Picnic is a good chance to get together with your family. Every time I go I spend time with my family and watch my little sister. The Creamery Picnic is to have fun and I am asking all of you to have fun.

Jason Fadely
Stevensville

©2006 Bitterroot Star
This site was Done By Dooney