Kinnikinnick Chapter Of The Idaho Native Plant Society

July 18th, 2005

Gov Dirk Kempthorne
700 West Jefferson Street, Room 228
PO Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0034

Dear Governor Kempthorne,

The Kinnikinnick Chapter of the Idaho Native Plant Society believes that Idaho's native plant habitat depends on maintaining healthy and contiguous ecosystems. The USFS roadless areas contain innumerable endangered, rare, sensitive and merely 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 habitat.

Recent changes to the administrative rules governing the Forest Service's Inventoried Roadless Areas allow each state to provide input on how these lands will be managed. We request that you petition the Forest Service to continue the current level of protection for all of Inventoried Roadless Areas, setting them aside from the threats of development.

Roadless areas in Idaho and particularly 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 nation and our state. Future generations deserve the opportunity to experience them as they are now. North Idaho, in particular, is a vital link in the Yukon to Yellowstone Corridor. The choices we make affect this entire chain. We must act as good stewards of this treasure for ourselves, for our country and for future generations. In just one example, northeast of Lake Pend Oreille, 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 the 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 Idaho 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. Recreation, quality of life and our economy depend on ecosystem health. Protecting 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, in fall, hillsides ablaze with the 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 a good steward, to advocate with us for their continued protection so they continue to exist tomorrow. We urge you to act so that the current roadless areas still not developed will remain as intact ecosystems.

Sincerely,

Molly O'Reilly President

CC: Marcia Phillips, Bonner County Commissioner