M83’s “Sister Part 2″ from “Digital Shades”:
December 8, 2007
Wilderness Sportsman Music Club
Montana: Gallatin National Forest winter use maps released
They are a clear improvement over similar maps issued for summer travel, which offered scant details. The winter maps include details such as stream names, mountain peaks and other landmarks. The summer maps lacked that sort of detail, causing some critics to describe them as nearly useless.
Idaho: Forest Service fee increases to be reviewed
New Mexico: USFWS proposing changes to wolf program
The wolf reintroduction program originally predicted that by now, there would be a viable, self-sustaining population of 100 wolves and 18 breeding pairs in the wild. Instead, the service counted 59 wolves and six breeding pairs last winter during its official, once-a-year count
Scientists call for improved science in fire management
Albuquerque, NM – In a letter to the Forest Service, more than a dozen scientists with expertise in biodiversity and fire have recommend a scientific review of the agency’s fire management plans in Arizona and New Mexico. The fire management plans “zone” the forests for fire management or total suppression. Because of changing climatic conditions and spiraling fire fighting costs, the scientists wrote to the new Southwestern Regional Forester calling for use of the best available science and consultation with state and federal wildlife agencies on the 11 fire management plans.
Forest Service Chief dismisses importance of environmental review
Inappropriate, environmentally destructive logging far removed from communities under the facade of “fuels reduction” does nothing to mitigate fire risk - it only lines the coffers of the timber industry and devastates wildlife habitat and watersheds. It should not be exempt from environmental review. Environmental review and public participation are vital to make sure our communities are safe.