It was nice to see Wild Sky back on the front page on Nov. 13. (“Wild Sky headed for fast approval.”) A few facts need clarification, however. The original legislation included 126,000 acres, not 106,000; and that had already been reduced by negotiations with stakeholders prior to its introduction.
Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Rick Larsen agreed to omit about 4,000 acres of lands in the Windy Ridge area from the legislation at the request of snowmobiling groups in exchange for their agreement to remain publicly neutral on the Wild Sky Wilderness proposal. Despite that good faith agreement, some snowmobilers continue to make spurious arguments that wilderness designation will cause forest disease and fire. Nothing could be further from the truth. If Mr. Hurwitz was familiar with the scientific data he would understand that roads are the single greatest risk factor for forest fire or disease. However, fire is not a real problem here on the west side, with fire intervals exceeding 500 years.
According to Sultan City Councilman Jim Flower, “the day will come when you won’t be able to visit” the wilderness area. This statement has absolutely no basis in fact. Wilderness designation would only prevent new road-building and off-road motor vehicle access; it would not prevent anyone from visiting the area on foot or on horseback. But don’t take my word for it; ask the more than 100 local businesses from Monroe to Skykomish that have endorsed the proposal.
The Wild Sky Wilderness is an exemplary model of legislation crafted with extensive outreach to user groups and compromise during the drafting phase. The majority of Americans support wilderness designation in order to protect our clean water and biodiversity and preserve refugia for the health and survival of both wildlife and humans.
Kathy Johnson
Forest Practices Committee Chair
Pilchuck Audubon Society
Correction
Incoming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has not yet announced her choice for chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. A letter published Monday incorrectly stated that Pelosi had chosen a chairman.
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