Support for Floyd Wood and Alta Pine.

Alan Thompson: "We have a tree that has historical value and interest and we don't want anyone to see it? Things aren't meshing here,"

There are a lot of things that make Montanans proud of their home. One of those things is a love for history, another one is their love for the outdoors. So when Bitterroot National Forest Supervisor, Dave Bull, started suggesting that the access to the Alta Pine be limited and unmarked, Floyd Wood of Corvallis went out of his way to make a sign and placed it near the area of the historical pine, marking its existance. That sign has since been removed by the Forest Service as well as any other markers.

The Alta Pine is one of the oldest Ponderosas in the State. Unfortunately it is a lightening rod, literally and figuratively. The huge tree was struck and killed by lightening in 1993. However, people still make the journey to see the huge tree, which is now, essentually a giant snag. Most Bitterrooters are aware of the dangers of snags and venture around them with caution. The arguement by the Forest Service is that the tree has become a liability.

Venturing out into the forests of Western Montana carry with it a certain liability. There are cliffs, old mine shafts, dangerous animals, and...of coarse...snags. Yellowstone National Park is full of dangers, yet they haven't taken down the signs pointing towards that area. Instead, Yellowstone has come up with an awareness program to inform visitors of the various dangers within the park.

Another side issue here is the access to the National Forests around Montana. "There's quite a lot of people who think a lot of that tree," Wood said. "They cut off access to anyone who's not agile. It's not right." Mr. Wood is refering to the Forest Service's actions regarding the removal of the paved and maintained path leading to the Alta Pine. This removal essentually renders those in wheelchairs unable to access the area. This is a small area effort on the part of the Forest Service, due to lack of power to impose heavier restrictions. However there is a group, Heritage Forests Campaign, trying to force a bill through legislation that will empower the Forest Service to eliminate even more access to the forests. This bill will turn our National Forests into a "members-only" club, where only the able-bodied can access the furthest reaches of the forests. None of us are getting younger and one day we may have to rely on alternate forms of transportation to reach our own little favorite parts of the Bitterroot. The question is will our alternate forms of transportation be allowed in the forests?