Randy Welsh
Regional Wilderness Specialist
Region 4 USDA Forest Service
324 25th Street
Ogden, Utah 84401

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Dear Randy:

These are the comments of Western Watersheds Project (WWP) on the proposed authorization for Idaho Fish and Game to use helicopters to collar wolves in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness (FCRNRW).

WWP is inalterably opposed to this authorization, and we are shocked that Region 4 is considering such an invasive and illegal use of the wilderness under any circumstances but especially under a categorical exclusion.

The legislation that created the FCRNRW did not propose an exception for helicopter landings as a use in the Wilderness outside of the grandfathered airstrips and except for circumstances involving risks to human life, and no exception should be granted now.

The Forest Service will be sued immediately to stop this authorization if you proceed with such a decision.

If for some incredibly thick-headed reason, the agency decides to pursue this idea, at a minimum an Environmental impact Statement is required pursuant to NEPA. This proposed use of the FCRNRW  is an extraordinary violation of wilderness values and is in violation of the Wilderness Act.

The Idaho Fish and Game can achieve its goals without helicopters if it chooses, and the Forest Service will be in violation of NEPA if it fails to fully analyze such readily available alternatives to the proposed action with full public involvement.

WWP also has requested a copy of the minimum tool analysis for this action, but to date has not received a copy. Please provide one electronically to: wwp@westernwatersheds.org; and/or by mail to WWP Box 1770 Hailey, Idaho 83333; and/or by fax to 208-788-2298.

Jon Marvel
Executive Director
Western Watersheds Project

c: Steve Nadeau, wolf manager IDFG