Today is the last day to send msg to protect Black Hills

[ochazuke]

Please go to http://ga1.org/campaign/blackhills and send a message to the Ad dept. about the management plan for the Black Hills area in South Dakota. This is The Wilderness Society's site.

http://ga1.org/campaign/blackhills

It should only take a minute. (seconds if you have previously registered.)

Today, Friday January 14, 2005 is the deadline for comments, so do it now.

[Chipper Chat]

1. It's a shame Daschele isn't there to help.

Thune does not appear to me to be an environmentalist.

[Chipper Chat]

2. Just sent a letter -

thanks for posting this!

[lostnfound]

3. Done, and thank you. Here's my version of the lettter.

As a long-time hiker, a student of ecology, and a mother of a young boy who is owed the right to his own future experiences in the country's great outdoors, I am concerned about the Phase II Amendment to the Management Plan for the Black Hills National Forest. I urge the Forest Service to adopt the Conservation Alternative.

When we speak of freedom, it must be recognized that some freedoms can be enjoyed only through the collective efforts and care of generations. The freedom of future generations to know the pristine earth of America, to have the chance to see a mountain lion, a flying squirrel, a pine marten, or other wildlife while walking through unique and beautiful natural habitat is not something that can be bought and sold by future generations. It is only something that can be given, passed on from one generation to the next.

It is too late for the gray wolf, black bear, and blue grouse in the Black Hills. The effort required to reestablish species once they are gone is at best difficult. But to protect the other species, and the integrity of the ecosystems in the Black Hills National Forest, I urge the Forest Service to adopt the Conservation Alternative. It will provide more protection for old growth forests and roadless areas; mandate science-based standards, surveying, and monitoring for the protection of wildlife and their habitat; emphasize natural processes in remote areas; and extend the protections of the Research Natural Area designation to key plant communities.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.