What political visitation was suddenly countenanced to Rep. Gunderson of Libby—no scientist, we know that—to realize that every grizzly bear in Montana—three distinct populations, cut off from one another by highways, railroads, towns—no longer need scientific management?

I come here from the Yaak Valley, in Lincoln County, where we have only 20 grizzlies left. Shame on Rep. Gunderson, and what a black eye for Libby and Lincoln County, where citizens’ collaborative groups have been working for years, in conjunction with federal agencies, to recover bears according to science, not the politics of poultry.

Shame on the whirlwind of intolerance that has set down on our heartland. Be prepared to reap it. If Hutterite colonies on the Front want to make a referendum on their frozen chickens versus scientific management of the state’s animal, be careful what one wishes for; in any event, shame on such greed. I can promise you I’ve bought my last frozen fryer. I find it rank governmental overreach that farmers in the Choteau area are supporting this resolution. What does it have to do with the Yaak? You are puppets.

Shame on the simplemindedness of those who overlook the good of Montana and her multibillion tourism industry, which is the driver, 11 percent, of our state’s economy. Ask Alaska how their wolf killing boycott affected their lesser tourist industry, and ask, Senators—if you have any interest in such matters—how much more vulnerable we are, in the Lower 48. Weyerhaeuser, a publicly traded company, also seems to be acting, through their support of this resolution, as if there is no shareholder or consumer accountability, and we still bow to robber barons. Old habits indeed die hard.

I stand here to speak for the last 20 grizzlies in the Yaak Valley. This great ugliness is not worthy of our state. Scorn, I have for you. Those who voted for this embarrass me. There are other states where you can clearcut without worrying about grizzlies, other states where you can jet with impunity the effluent from your pig farms into public creeks and rivers. Iowa is only two states away. I suggest you move. There are no grizzlies there.

Rick Bass is an author who lives in Missoula with his family.

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