Help keep the Bob Marshall Wild – Urge the Forest Service to draft an Environmental Impact Statement before re-issuing outfitter permits.

The Forest Service is reviewing its proposal to re-issue 64 five-year commercial outfitter and guide special use permits for the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex (Bob Marshall, Great Bear and Scapegoat Wildernesses). The permits would run from 2003 to 2008. Many of these permits have been re-issued every five years for decades, yet remarkably, they have not been subject to an Environmental Assessment, Environmental Impact Statement or public review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act.

The "Bob" is one of America's flagship Wildernesses and a truly extraordinary place. Yet, there are many serious resource problems that should be addressed before new 5-year permits are issued. Visitors increasingly complain about resource damage and inappropriate uses they encounter on their trips. Waves of packtrains-some with as many as 35 horses and mules hauling tons of gear and supplies-pulverize the trails to the point that many wilderness trails now resemble ATV "troads" and jeep trails. Hikers are often forced to slog through ankledeep mud and manure as they travel through the area. In addition, many of the dozens of assigned outfitter camps resemble small-sized dude ranches complete with corrals, hitchrails, fire pits, huge canvas cooking and sleeping tents stretched over log frames, and cords of fuelwood stacked nearby.

What you can do

Now is the time for the Forest Service to take the required "hard look" at the impacts from these commercial operations and to implement safeguards to reduce the damage and restore the wild character to the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Write a letter to the Forest Service requesting it to take action now to reduce the impacts from commercial outfitting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Make sure to mention any personal experiences you have had in the Bob.

Send your letter to: Daina Bambe, District Ranger, Lincoln Ranger District, P.O. Box 219, Lincoln, MT 59639. E-mail: dbambe@fs.fed.us. Ask to be kept on the mailing list to receive information relating to the issuance of outfitter-guide permits in the Bob.

For more information contact George Nickas at Wilderness Watch, (406) 542-2048; gnickas@wildernesswatch.org