Volunteer to protect the Bob

One of many, I enjoyed National Trails Day with a hike into the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex — the first of this hiking season. I was reminded again of the treasure we possess in Montana.

Yet, my hike was marred — someone had used a chain saw to clear the trail of fallen trees. Oh. how I grieved this.

Yes, I know, there is heavy downfall throughout The Bob, making it difficult to journey to our destinations.

But I grieve because this chainsaw-use diminishes the mystique of the Bob — the mystique of quiet, simplicity, crosscuts and time away from the noise of our modern lives.

Instead of using chainsaws, let's work together to clear the trails.

If all of us who enjoy the Bob — hiking, packing, backpacking, fishing, floating, hunting, etc. — give one day, one weekend or one week back toward clearing these trails, we will be able to have the experiences in The Bob we desire while preserving this mystique.

Let's give back by volunteering with organizations such as the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation (online at thebmwf.org). I will be volunteering this summer. Will you?

Chany Ockert

Kalispell