Regardless, it’s difficult to see any immediate need to push forward with such controversial plans, especially when the Lolo National Forest could be focusing on much more urgent problem.

Neighborhoods along the Rattlesnake Recreation Area could use some support reducing fuels around their homes. A project concentrating on working with homeowners in the urban-wildlife fringe to make their properties more wildfire-defensible would have a clear positive impact. It would also have stronger, broader community support.

The reason the Rattlesnake Recreation Area is still as wild as it is, despite increasing pressure from developers and recreationists, is because a group of people recognized it for what it is and fought hard to preserve it nearly 40 years ago. Rather than dismiss the concerns of those who are fighting for it once again, the Forest Service should recognize that it has a lot more work to do to provide important details and gain community support.

Yet the Forest Service is expected to issue a decision on its Marshall Woods project any day now. Let’s hope they stop and listen to Chinske. Let’s hope they listen to reason. Let’s hope they delay action and get to work on a new project plan that addresses the real concerns in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and warrants the full support of all those who treasure it just the way it is.

Missoulian editorial board: Publisher Mark Heintzelman, Editor Matt Bunk, Opinion Editor Tyler Christensen.

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