PEAKS: They need citizens' protection

On the Montana/North Idaho border there are 88,000 acres of wilderness, also known as Scotchman Peaks. None of this land is designated to the animals and nature. If we don't have a designated site for the animals, we will lose the beauty and wildlife of this majestic land.

    Do you know why this has become a problem? It has become a problem because people are disrespecting the nature it has to offer. One example is taking motorcycles and four-wheelers out on this land that will soon be destroyed if you don't do anything. In fact, there are many benefits to designating this land as a wilderness area. It would provide protection for endangered plants and animals. It would also help to protect the water quality of this region. It would especially provide this area with money from sportsmen's activities.

    I feel the best way to accomplish this land protection is under the Wilderness Act. I would fully support this cause.

    Did you know that less than four percent of the Kootenai forest is presently protected as wilderness? No new wilderness has been designated on this forest since 1964! The Kootenai forest has less designated wilderness area than another other national forest in Montana. There are zero acres of protected wilderness in the five Idaho Panhandle counties. This place is a home to many animals such as fishers, pine martens, wolverines, mountain goats, grizzly bears, boreal owls, and Canada lynxes. Wow! We really need to make a change.

    Now if you want to help, you can become a friend of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness or you can volunteer by leading hikes into places you know well (at Scotchman Peaks of course). You can also simply purchase items from the "friends," such as cool t-shirts, hoodies, calendars, and many more fun items on their store page. All the money goes into their donation fund.

    If you have any questions or want to contact them, reach them by mail at Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness, P. O. Box 2061, Sandpoint, ID, or by email at info@scotchmanpeaks.org. Finally, you can also call your congressman.

    Go help Scotchman Peaks!

    CHLOE MARK

    6th grade, River City Middle School

    Post Falls