June 2014

It doesn’t take much for certain groups and individuals to jump on the Fantasy Wagon. Like with so many of these situations, some believe the fantasy and others use it for political advantage. Does anyone really think the citizens of the United States, who own these lands, are going to allow a small state like Montana to take control of a huge chunk of their National Forest and other public property?

One does not have to be too bright to realize that the State of Montana has neither the financial capability nor the organizational structure to manage more than 20 million acres of additional land. So, the option would be to sell some of the best of it. I’m sure some people are seeing dollar signs and licking their chops over the very Idea of such a transfer and sale.

The words of Theodore Roosevelt ring out as they have every twenty years or so when such a proposal gains political favor with the government haters.

This is what Teddy said after he greatly expanding the National Forest System in part, to prevent another disaster such as that perpetuated by private timber companies on the forests of our lake states.

Here is your country. Do not let anyone take it or its glory away from you. Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skim your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance. The world and the future and your very own children shall judge you accordingly as you deal with this sacred trust.

John Gibson
PLWA President