This letter was sent to Senator Burns, Senator Baucus and Congressman Rehberg in April, 2005 in response to concerns by Friends of Lolo Peak that the proposed Bitteroot Resort might attempt to use political leverage to bypass the Forest Service planning process. All three County Commissioners advocate that decisions about land management in the Lolo Peak Area be made through the Forest Service planning process and not by legislative rider or inteference from influential politicians.

April 21, 2005

The Honorable Max Baucus
United States Senate
511 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Max:

As you know, the Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo National Forests are currently in the process of revising their forest plans as required by the National Forest Management Act of 1976. These revisions allow the Forest Service to incorporate resource and social changes and new scientific knowledge.

These plans are comprehensive documents providing direction on how forests are to be managed and present the framework for project decisions made on a case-by-case and site-specific basis.

The teams of resource specialists on the Bitterroot, Flathead and Lolo National Forests have been very helpful in keeping the Missoula County Commission aware of the process. They have given the public ample opportunity to educate themselves about the process and make comments as the planning goes forward. We appreciate the public process they have outlines and encouraged.

The Missoula County Commission has been receiving calls from constituents about the proposed Bitterroot Resort/Lolo Peak Ski Area. Some of these calls are in favor of the proposal and some are in opposition. We believe that the Forest Revision Process is the proper mechanism to determine the best use of the Lolo Peak area. This process allows for public comments and concerns to be considered while taking into consideration the impacts of the proposed use on fish and wildlife and the eco-system in general. It will also be able to consider whether the proposed use is best for the public.

We encourage your support of the Forest Revision Process, and will encourage the residents of Missoula County, whether for or against the Bitterroot Resort/Lolo Peak Ski Area project, to engage positively in the process.

Sincerely,
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Jean Curts, Chair
Bill Carey, Commissioner
Barbara Evans, Commissioner