'Wilderness' Is
Too Restrictive

Please let me start by saying that in the past I supported Sens. Leahy, Jeffords, and Rep. Sanders, and did not vote for Gov. Douglas. However, given their stance on the expanded wilderness bill, which Senator Leahy forced through the Senate, I fully support Jim Douglas and his position on wilderness designation in Vermont.

Sadly, what I believe is missing in the discourse concerning wilderness is real education. How many Vermonters understand how limiting the wilderness designation is?

How many people realize that if they own a camp within designated wilderness, they cannot use a motorized vehicle to reach their own camp? Or if someone is injured or suffers a heart attack in wilderness that their friends or friendly volunteers will need to carry them out, because even in emergency situations, helicopter or ATV rescues are not allowed?

How many people understand that if a forest fire starts within wilderness areas, it will not be dealt with until it reaches adjoining property? Or if a non-native invasive species attacks within wilderness, it will not be dealt with until it affects private property?

What has been missing all along in the wilderness fight is education, and how it affects the average Vermonter—the same folks Sens. Leahy, Jeffords, and Rep. Sanders claim to be protecting. Unfortunately, the idea of wilderness is wonderful and very Disney. However, the reality is very different.

Harlen Houghton

Rochester