3 Ex-Forest Chiefs Back Rocky Mountain Land Plan

Three former chiefs of the U.S. Forest Service are asking Montana's congressional delegation to protect the Rocky Mountain Front, a plea they say marks the first time they have united to urge passage of a land measure. The request was made in a letter, sent earlier this month, that urges the delegation to "take a leadership role in the passage of the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act." It was signed by Dale Bosworth, Forest Service chief from 2001-2007; Michael Dombeck, the agency's chief from 1997-2001; and Jack Ward Thomas, who headed the Forest Service from 1993-1996. The Rocky Mountain Heritage Act is proposed legislation written last year by wilderness advocates, farmers, ranchers and others living where the Rocky Mountains meet the Great Plains between East Glacier and Lincoln. The act aims to preserve existing uses for the land, like grazing or outfitting, while protecting species in the area. It would designate six new wilderness areas and create a large management area that would protect the land but still allow some timber cutting and use by livestock. It also includes a provision to fight noxious weeds over hundreds of thousands of acres...more