I am sure that you guys have heard that "W" wants the USFS to sell off isolated parcels of National Forest Land to help with budgetary issues. The USFS is currently taking public comments at the following address until May 1: SRS_Land_Sales@fs.fed.us
My personal opinion is that the concept of selling federal lands for a one time profit is the most fucked up, short sighted, assannine, broke-dick, brokeback concept that I have ever heard. Those adjectives aren't really specific enough for public comment so I wrote the following more politically correct comment and emailed it in. I ask you to cut and paste it and email it in or write something else. We need to do something before we lose the lands where we recreate. Please forward this on to the people in Montana that you think would also be willing to send a comment to the USFS. Remember, if you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem. Here was what I wrote...
RE: Comments on USFS Sale of National Forest Lands:
I am writing to you as a citizen of the United States of America, Montana, and a taxpayer. Besides for the fact that the sale of National Forest land is short-sighted and ignorant, it is unconstitutional pursuant to the Montana Constitution and does not conform to the Multiple Use Act of 1964.
Article II, Section 3. of the Montana Constitution provides that all persons are born free and have certain inalienable rights including the right to a clean and healthful environment and the rights of pursuing life's basic necessities, enjoying and defending their lives and liberties, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and seeking their safety, health and happiness in all lawful ways.
Article IX, Section 7 of the Montana Constitution provides that the opportunity to harvest wild fish and wild game animals is a heritage that shall forever be preserved to the individual citizens of the state and does not create a right to trespass on private property or diminution of other private rights.
The sale of National Forest land will impair my right to a clean and healthful environment as well as my opportunity to harvest wild game. Harvesting wild game on National Forest Land promotes my health and happiness as well as puts food on my table, and provides basic necessities. These are my constitutional rights and should not be infringed upon.
The Multiple Use Act of 1964 identifies criteria for which federal lands are to be retained. Most, if not all of the National Forest lands in Montana would meet the retention criteria as established in 43CFR2420.1.
One possible solution to the school funding issues would be to pass a law that exempts timber sale proposals on school trust lands from legal challenge. The price of wood is high and sustainable forestry is possible. I strongly oppose the sale of National Forest land.
Sincerely,
Doc's Mom
Address Here
