Kinnikinnick Chapter Of The Idaho Native Plant Society

December 17, 2005

Commissioners: Marcia Phillips, Joe Young and Karl Dye,
Bonner County Offices
250 South First Ave.
Sandpoint ID 83864

Re: Bonner County Recommendations on Roadless Area Management

Thank you for the opportunity to offer comments on behalf of the important roadless areas in Bonner County. The Sandpoint based Kinnikinnick Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society, with a membership of approximately 140, believes that North Idaho's native plant habitat depends on maintaining healthy and contiguous ecosystems. Our local USFS roadless areas contain innumerable rare, sensitive and beautiful native flowers, grasses, and trees. Dividing these areas with roads fragments this ecosystem, introduces weeds and brings development which all threaten the health of native plant habitats.

Roadless areas in North Idaho are some of the most biologically diverse and pristine as well as some of the largest, contiguous natural ecosystems left in the United States. These areas are a precious heritage for our local communities, our nation and our state. Future generations deserve the opportunity to experience them as they are now. North Idaho is a vital link in the Yukon to Yellowstone Corridor. The choices we make affect this entire chain. We urge you to act as good stewards of this treasure for our country, our future generations and ourselves.

In just one example, northeast of Lake Pend O'reille, where current USFS roadless areas stretch north encompassing Scotchman Peak and the western Cabinet Mountains, new plant varieties are still being discovered. Those mountains rolling north to Canada and east to Montana are a vital natural corridor for native species of flora and fauna. Giant cedars, hidden glens and clear pure streams shelter small and fragile lichens and sedges. The continuing natural balance cannot be assumed, it must be protected and maintained. Each new road is a freeway for noxious weeds and off road vehicles. Both of these threaten our natural resource heritage. As USFS Chief Bosworth emphasized, noxious weeds and off road vehicles are two of the greatest threats to the stability and health of our national forests today.

As you are well aware, the scenic beauty and wild nature of Bonner County draw millions into our economy annually. Idaho's economy continues to shift from "resource extraction" to "quality of life factors" based on our pristine natural beauty. The Sonoran Institute's report "Prosperity in the 21st Century West" notes, in western counties, a strong positive correlation between protected Page 2: Kinnikinnick Chapter to Bonner County Commissioners on Roadless Rule

lands and economic health. Recreation, quality of life and our economy depend on ecosystem health. Preserving these roadless areas and the healthy habitat in which native flora and fauna thrive preserves our economic future.

Ancient cedars, abundant spring wild flowers, the brief blooms of the alpine summer and hillsides ablaze with the fall yellows of cottonwood, larch, aspen and birch are irreplaceable treasures. They exist today because of careful choices and good stewardship practices. We ask you, as good stewards, to advocate with us for their continued protection so they continue to exist tomorrow. We ask you to recommend to the Governor that his petition to the Dept of Agriculture on management of USFS roadless areas retain the highest standards of protection for these special parts of north Idaho.

Thank you,

Molly O'Reilly, President