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Show with a little grey in his beard should be able to do this. In providing for forest Radical environmentalists responsible for fire devastation health, silvicultural practices been filled by others. But tific principles they were deemed necessary to maintain Dear Editor: have gone by the Recently I read an article by there IS something that taught in college or through forest health Dave Skinner of Whitefish, greens have always gladly ac- tried and tested means which wayside in favor of a let naMontana. Dave is a freelance cepted in the past. Now that do not meet the agendas of ex- ture take its course or a bum baby burn attitude. Why does the results of the dedication treme radical groups. writer and supporter of mulI recently saw Forest Chief this happen? Because for the tiple use. In Skinners article and hard work of environmentestifying most part agency personnel he talks about the western Tire talists can finally be enjoyed, Bosworth on to the need have been traumatized by all deas before Congress situation and the firestorm we as Americans should be of the lawsuits, bad policy and that has been set off politically lighted to give Greens the for improved forest managecredit they so richly deserve. ment and improved forest political shenanigans that preby western politicians, comhealth. Good idea, but kind of vent them from implementing Trouble is, that credit is almunity leaders and citizens. tried and tested management late for those in Colorado, AriSkinner quotes Arizona ready far, far past due. states western other and Mr. Skinners article is very zona practices. If man was not on Senator John McCain saying, It might have been not nearly interesting. As a past federal that have been ravaged by fire the earth, certainly fire would be the tool of nature for dealas serious if it hadnt been for land manager (some in both in the last few months. I think Chief Bosworth was ing with adverse conditions. Colorado and Montanas timradical environmental organiIn fact, man is here and as zations and others that have ber country), I think I can sincere in his testimony and which wants to make changes such can and should be alkept us from cleaning out speak with some expertise. Some years ago when will improve forest health. lowed the use ofthe renewable these forests. timber resource. Certainly, I Mr. Skinner goes on to say Yellowstone National Park The real test will be if Conin his do not favor abuse of these was on fire, I remember a gress will support him that the professional environbe will if to it or do efforts natural resources, but using so, mental community is now try- statement by the renewable resources wisely is of Wyoming. The Governor partisan politics as usual. ing to deflect the flaming arEach year Federal agencies good for all concerned. rows on irate westerners. He said something to the effect Several years ago, I met a quotes Carl Pope of the Sierra that we can kick butt after attempt to put timber up for Club who said, much of the the flames are extinguished. sale, however most of the timlady from Show Low, Arizona smoke in the west right now Did we? I dont think so. We ber is never harvested. Why, whose family logged the area seem to forget quickly. is coming from politicians. you might ask? Have you ever for decades. Environmental looked at all of the environLet me preface this parapolicies and frivolous lawsuits Pope also condemns the disgraph by saying that I think mental restrictions and legal eventually put the family logturbing display of cynical politics. He goes on, Once the locally, regionally and nationmaneuvering that a timber ging operation out of business. immediate danger is over, then ally we have some very dedicompany has to deal with prior More close to home, my father-in-lato actually cutting a tree? suffered the same loss. we can discuss how to avoid cated and hard working fedunbelievable! is It know Certainly, these tragedies in the future. eral employees. Most During the Rodeo Fire, I reasondone from to be a can needs what wondered to what her thoughts talk The article goes on anyone support about the amount of timber scientific point of view to man- able, well thought out mitigamight be concerning the fire would that devastated the landscape, that has burned and then age timber and other natural tion measures that to forest serve values. resource health, burned homes, destroyed comsums up his article by saying, protect Problem is many of these reduce the fire load, and pro- munities, turned lives upside Unfortunately, like blame, responsibility implies a wil- employees are badgered and vide needed wood products. down, killed wildlife and cost personally maligned because Certainly the Forest Service Federal and State governlingness to accept consehas the needed expertise to do ments millions of dollars. quences, a role that has always they are trying to apply scien this. After all, any forester I hope she is angry. I hope THE; SAN JUAN RECORD Wednexdny, July 24, 2002 - Page 8 C-Sp- an then-Gover-n- or w Hawaiian Luau 1 & Events Center at they really are. They are obstructionists whose goal is not necessarily to protect the en- vironment, or to promote sound resource management. Rather, they use the courts to further personal beliefs or misguided agendas. They use half truths or statements out of context as scare tactics to gain support for their causes from an otherwise uninformed segment of the public. Environmental extremists refuse to come to the table to discuss issues. We have had personal and local experience with that issue. Problem solving is not in their vocabulary. As mentioned in the article, it is time that we place the responsibility for the devastation that has occurred over the past few weeks squarely on the shoulders of those who richly deserve the blame for what has happened in the west. May Gods choicest blessings be with those whose lives have been turned upside down by the events of this summer. Sincerely, Ed Scherick Did you know that Utah has the highest rate of - CEU per capita Fen-Phe- n users? Claim deadlines are now in force, so please take 1 5 minutes to ensure that both your health and legal rights donate items for the auction: please call Cheryl Bowers ironmental extremists will soon be recognized for what or Redux? Traditional Hawaiian food 8c entertainment To gry and I hope that President Bush is angry. I hope the lady from Show Low will be the catalyst that will come forward and finish the job that the Governor of Wyoming started during the Yellowstone fires. Most of all I hope that env- IT Saturday July 27 - 6 pm Live auction at 8 pin Arts the Governor ofArizona is angry. I hope Senator McCain remains angry. 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