A hoary marmot greeted us as we approached Friday Pass. After receiving clearance, we began the rocky ascent to Graves Peak. The sky was gray with slivers of blue, the temperature feeling more like late September than early August. Upon reaching the summit, we took in the vast expanse of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and beyond. All was quiet, not a word was spoken. It was a great way to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act.
If you love wild country, please consider making a generous tax-deductible donation to Friends of the Clearwater today!
With the help of allies and people like YOU, we collectively generated thousands of comments on the proposed action for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest Plan Revision. Our Citizens Conservation Biology Alternative is centered on the protection of irreplaceable roadless areas as recommended wilderness or the designation of non-developed/non-mechanized backcountry areas. The alternative also calls for agency accountability in protecting fish and wildlife habitat, including old growth and riparian zones, as well as protective measures for soils and the watershed. We will inform of you of further public comment opportunities when the Draft Environmental Impact Statement is released.
We intend on being around as long as wild country is threatened. Your considerate donation is crucial in protecting this still-wild landscape. In the coming year, we will continue our work on other important issues like:
- Safeguarding the Wild & Scenic Middle Fork Clearwater/Lochsa River corridor from road-blocking megaloads.
- Rewilding the Clearwater Basin by breaching the lower four Snake River dams and recovering salmon and pacific lamprey.
- Advocating for a complete purchase option involving the proposed Upper Lochsa Land Exchange.
- Protecting wild landscapes by tracking the Nez Perce National Forest Travel Plan and reigning in off-road vehicles.
- Working with other conservation groups to recover native species like bull trout, Canadian lynx and the wolverine.
With your support, we can keep Clearwater Country one of the wildest places in the lower 48.
Thank you very much and happy holidays!
Brett & Gary