Alice Anderson, Spokesperson for Silver County Forest Planning Team:

Good evening. Thank you all for coming out tonight. My name is Alice Anderson and I am the Director of Sustainable Forest Development for Silver County Forest and the spokesperson for the Silver County Forest Planning Team. The Planning Team is made up of five employees of the Forest that have been appointed by Forest Ranger, Mike Mills. In addition to me, Team members include:

• Ben Cartright, who is chair of the Silver County Chamber of Commerce and our Regional Economist
• Megan Lee Jones, former water resource manager for Silver County and our Wildlife Biologist
• John Fowler, Professor of Natural Resources and our Natural Resource Analyst
• Elaine Green, our Disaster Relief Specialist.

The Team includes professionals from a diverse set of backgrounds, and therefore has expertise in many areas.

It is the responsibility of the interdisciplinary Planning Team to construct a long-range plan for the future of Silver County Forest. Over the past several months, we have done our best to take into account all of the issues and opportunities facing Silver County Forest and have come up with three plan alternatives for the region. If you take a look at the packets on your tables you will see that each plan alternative has been outlined for you. In addition, there are two maps on either side of the room that identify the affected areas. If you have any questions regarding plan logistics, we will be happy to answer them for you before beginning our discussion.

Following our discussion this evening, the Planning Team will reconvene and decide upon the plan alternative that we feel is best for the region. It is our priority to make sure that the new long-range plan for the forest adequately represents the goals and interests of the community. Therefore, your comments are very important to us and each and every one will be taken into consideration in our deliberation process.
Once we have heard your comments and decided upon the plan alternative that we feel is optimal for Silver County, we will recommend the plan to Mike Mills, who will determine if he agrees with our suggestion. If so, Mr. Mills will then present the plan to the Regional Forester, and, provided it is in line with regional goals, the plan will be enacted. If Mr. Mills is not in agreement with the Team, the plan will be sent back to the drawing board for changes. We have been working closely with Mr. Mills and the Regional Forester throughout the process to avoid that situation.

Before we begin discussing the plan alternatives, I’d like to first outline the issues that the Forest is presently facing. Foremost, the threat of forest fire is of primary concern to the Planning Team. I’m sure that you all are aware of how fires have ravaged and destroyed thousands of acres of forestland in the West. Silver County has been lucky to avoid fire up until this point, but we are not immune. The forest floor is covered in a large amount of underbrush and timber waste which would serve as fuel for a fire if one were to occur. Fires pose a serious threat to the forestland, wildlife and the surrounding communities in Silver County. If a fire were to occur, the effects would be devastating. We have done our best to introduce alternatives to prevent forest fire and to minimize the potential effects if one were to occur.

The next issue that we looked at is the polluted sediment in the Wamasana River. The River sediment contains heavy metals, which are a byproduct of the mining process. As long as the sediment is not disturbed it does not pose an immediate threat to those in contact with River water. However with increasing River usage, the chances of sediment disruption are also increasing. If the sediment is disturbed, it may be harmful to wildlife and humans that come in contact with the water. We have come up with three alternative solutions to the issue of the sediment pollution that vary in the intensity of pollution remediation efforts.

The next issue that the Team looked at is the proposed development of the Mineral Mountain Estates and the road connecting Hwy.15 to Hwy.128. The land that is slated for the housing development is former logging land that the Forest has attempted to reforest in recent years. Building of the housing development and the road would bring reforestation efforts to a standstill and greatly increase automobile traffic in that area of the Forest. However, if development does occur, care would be given to remain sensitive to the natural environment. The Team has introduced three alternatives to address this issue.

Finally, the Planning Team has attempted to address the declining population of the Yellow-breasted Toad, whose numbers have dropped by 80% in the region in recent years. At this point there is no conclusive evidence available as to the reason for the Toad’s disappearance however these amphibians serve as indicator species, which means that their decline could signify an overall environmental degradation of the Forest. It is vital that the Forest determines the cause for the Toad’s disappearance and, again, we have come up with three alternatives for dealing with this issue.

If you take a minute to look over your packets you will see that the three plan alternatives outlined are: Plan A, Plan B and Plan C. If there are any questions regarding the mechanics of any of the plan options, I’d like to welcome them at this time.

Rachel LeBaron, President of Trout Lake Homeowners Association:
Good evening Ms. Anderson. I have a question regarding Plan A. In the event that the abatement of the Wamasana was to occur, how long would the process take?

Alice Anderson:
The process will most likely take one year.

Rachel LeBaron:
Would the River be off use for that entire year?

Alice Anderson:
Yes. Use of the River would be prohibited for one year to ensure the safety of those coming in contact with the River. Next question, please.

Lucy Lucky, Silver County Historic Society and Tourism Board:
Hello, Ms. Anderson. I have a question regarding Ms. LeBaron’s concern. The Tourism Board has undertaken aggressive marketing efforts to make Silver County a vacation destination for travelers in the region, and as a result, tourism has increased a great deal in the past several years. This has had a major impact on public and private revenue in Silver County, and I am concerned that if the River is closed for a year, tourism will greatly decrease, and the Tourism Board’s efforts will have been useless. Has the Planning Team taking into account what will happen to tourism in the region if the River is closed for a year?

Alice Anderson:
The Planning Team has considered the potential decline in tourism that would occur if the River is closed. Hopefully, the impact will be minimal, but nevertheless, we must consider the health of the environment, the citizens, the wildlife, and the potential Silver County tourists when making our final decision.
I appreciate your concern. Are there any more questions regarding plan logistics?
If not, I’d like to open up the floor for testimony at this time. I’d like to ask each speaker to please state their name, their professional or personal affiliation, the plan that they are in favor of, and their reasoning. Thank you.

Walt Minick, Representative from the Timber Industry:
My name is Walt Minick and I represent the Timber Industry here in Silver County. We are strong supporters of Plan C. Timber generates a lot of jobs in this region and a lot of families depend on it for their livelihood. In addition, residents of the region have used Silver County timber for generations to build their homes, schools, offices and furniture. The wood in the Forest is some of the strongest in the state and it would be almost impossible to relocate logging activity. We agree that loggers need to be responsible for their waste, but stopping the timber industry in the Forest altogether would put a lot of people out of work. Plan C is the only alternative. Anything else would do more harm than good for hundreds of families in the Silver County area. Thank you.

Alice Anderson:
Thank you, Mr. Minick. Next comment, please.

Jack Dover, Leader of the Silver County Libertarian Movement:
Good evening, Ms. Anderson. I’d like begin by thanking my friend Mr. Minick for his comments, and, as President of the Silver County Libertarian Party, I’d like to testify that we also favor Plan C. Plans A and B place excessive restrictions on our land – land that belongs to the citizens of Silver County, not the U.S. Forest Service. Placing more limitations and requirements on land usage is a violation of our rights and is illegal under the United States Constitution. If residents’ land rights are going to be taken away, we should be compensated. Logging is a trade that residents of Silver Cliff have relied upon for work for six decades. If timbering is banned, who is going to compensate our citizens for their job loss? Who will pay the timber industry for their lost business? Recreation is also a vital component of many residents’ lives. Where are people supposed to hunt, fish, hike or swim if their use of the Forest is banned? Who will compensate them for their loss of recreational area and relaxation space? Also, the Mineral Mountain Pass Area is a viable, attractive option for new housing. If housing development is restricted and road creation is forbidden, who will recompense potential homeowners and developers for their financial loss? Silver County Forest is public land, owned by the residents in Silver County. Taking away our rights is a violation of our civil liberties and will harm the surrounding communities both economically and physically. The government has no place in this decision. It is up to individuals who have a stake in the land to decide its best use. Unless the government wants to pay us for taking away our rights, Plan C is the only alternative. Thank you.

Alice Anderson:
Thank you, Mr. Dover. Next comment, please.

Abigail Fisher, Silver Area Network for the Environment:
Good evening. I am Abigail Fisher, Spokesperson for Silver Area Network for the Environment, or SANE. In case any of you aren’t aware, SANE is an environmental group dedicated to protecting the environmental integrity of the Silver County region. All of our members are residents of Silver County, and we have a fervent interest in protecting its future. In that light, me and the other members of the group are in strong favor of Plan A.
While all of the members of SANE realize that compromises will have to be made to protect Silver County Forest, if unregulated development continues to occur, there will be no place for people to relax, there will be no trees, and there will be no sanctuary left in this area. There will be no reason for people to come to Silver County because it will just resemble every other nameless, faceless suburb in America. Our wildlife population will continue to disappear and our ground, water and air will continue to be polluted.
Our wildlife population is already becoming extinct. Amphibians such as the Yellow-breasted Toad, who has practically vanished from the area, are indicator species for large-scale environmental decline. Therefore, if the Toads are disappearing, many other animals will be too. How will we live with ourselves if we let an entire species disappear? What will this region look like when there is no biodiversity left? What will Silver County be when there are no deer, fox or hawks? It is our duty to preserve the habitat of the Toad and all other forest animals.

If the communities of Silver Cliff and Vermillion are going to continue to grow, it has to be done sensibly and sustainably. Once the Forest is taken away, we cannot get it back. Once our wildlife is gone, it will not reappear. Please protect our nonrenewable resources for ourselves and for our children. Please vote for Plan A. Thank you.

Alice Anderson:
Thank you, Ms. Fisher. Next comment please.

Chip Wheeler, President of Vermillion Chamber of Commerce:
Hello, Ms. Anderson. I am Chip Wheeler, President of the Vermillion Chamber of Commerce. As you well know, the City of Vermillion is currently experiencing an historic level of business and population growth. It is an exciting time for our City and we want very much to accommodate our new citizens while continuing to attract new residents. We realize that that requires a delicate balance between housing, convenience and environmental amenities. That is why the Vermillion Chamber of Commerce supports Plan B. Plan B offers provisions that both protect the environment, while also allowing for growth in the region. It takes into account the changing needs of Silver County while also protecting our future. Plan B is smart and sustainable without being unrealistically restrictive. Plan B is forward-thinking, and that’s why myself and the Vermillion business community are strongly in favor of it. Thank you.

Alice Anderson:
Thank you, Mr. Wheeler. Next comment, please.

Walker Williams, Spokesperson for Silver Mountain Environmental Activists for Remediation:
Good evening. Thank you for this opportunity to speak tonight regarding the future of our Forest and our River. I have done quite a bit of research on the topic of the dredging polluted sediment, and it is very important to the future of our region. The potential disruption of the polluted sediment could cause contaminants to spread throughout the River if it is not abated. The Wamasana River feeds into Trout Lake, which is already polluted with mine tailings, and serves as the water supply for many people. Too many citizens are already experiencing countless adverse health effects from the pollution in the Lake, and if the pollution in the River is not taken care of, many more could be sickened or die. In addition, leaving pollution in the River will further endanger the Yellow-breasted Toad, who lives, breathes and eats in the watershed. It is in everyone’s best interest not to let the pollution lie. As a native of Silver County and as an activist for our citizens, I beg you to support Plan A. It is the only way to protect the health of our citizens, preserve our endangered wildlife, and sustain our delicate planet. Thank you.

Alice Anderson:
Thank you, Mr. Williams. Next comment, please.

Ted Thompson, Spokesperson for No More Transportation Bottlenecks:
Hi. I am Ted Thompson, Spokesperson for NMTB. I am here to oppose Plans B and C. Another road is not the answer to our transportation problems, and we must refuse that one be placed through pristine forestland. Increase auto traffic through the Forest will lead to increased air, water, noise and ground pollution. It will destroy a vast expanse of wildlife habitat, and will do nothing but further the degradation of our natural environment.

All the newcomers in Vermillion want the solitude and serenity of the Forest, but they are polluting it uncontrollably with their automobiles. They cannot have the best of both worlds. If they want to travel conveniently, they need to work with the natural environment and not against it. As long-time residents of Silver County, and as advocates for its future, if we want to improve transportation efficiency in this area, we need to increase our public transit, not our automobile traffic. Therefore I support Plan A and propose that the plan is amended to suspend all automobile traffic through the park. Thank you.

Alice Anderson:
Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Next.

Dustin Elliot, Silver Homes, Inc.

Hi. I am Dustin Elliot, President of Silver Homes, Inc. We are the development group that is responsible for the design and construction of the Crimson Pass and Mineral Mountain Estates housing developments. We are aware that preserving the natural environment in Silver County Forest is of primary importance. However, if you look at our plans you will see that both the Crimson Pass and Mineral Mountain Estate developments do everything possible to be respectful of their natural surroundings. We do not plan on taking our any unnecessary trees to build these developments. We will not level the terrain, and we will not reroute any of the existing waterways.

There is a high demand for this housing from affluent members of the Vermillion community and other professionals who are interested in relocating to Silver County. Potential buyers of these homes have ample incomes and will contribute immensely to the tax base of this region, while also contributing to its professionalism and diversity. In addition, potential buyers want to live in harmony with the natural environment, not against it, and Silver Homes plans on building homes that meet these needs. It is sensible and responsible to support Plan C. Thank you.

Alice Anderson
Thank you, Mr. Elliot. Are there any more comments?

Jay Jacobs, Representative from PureNature
Yes, hello. I am Jay Jacobs with Pure Nature, and it is our responsibility as human beings to support Plan A. Further, we must add a provision to the Plan that protects Silver County Forest from human invasion indefinitely into the future. This forestland does not belong to the hunters, loggers and developers that are trampling all over it. It belongs to the wildlife that lives in the forest. It belongs to the Yellow-breasted Toad that is virtually extinct.

At this point, it is your responsibility to prevent our natural environment from becoming completely pillaged with housing developments and roads, and it is your responsibility to protect our animals. This is not our land to destroy! End human interference immediately and for generations to come. I urge you to support Plan A, and protect Silver County for the future. If you won’t do it, Pure Nature will take the matter into our own hands.

Alice Anderson
Thank you. Next, please.

John Fowler, Professor of Natural Resource Management, Vermillion University
Good evening. I am John Fowler, Professor of Natural Resource Management at Vermillion University. The impacts of the enacted forest management plan will be long-lasting and momentous on the Silver County region, and therefore I feel that one of the most important aspects of this process is to base our decisions on empirical information. To date, we have no conclusive information regarding the disappearance of the Yellow-breasted Toad. We don’t know if the Toad is dying from disease or habitat destruction, or if it is being hunted by predators. In fact, we don’t know if the Toads are dying at all. Perhaps they are just relocating to other areas of the region.

I realize that the emotionally-driven environmentalists who wish to “Save the Toad” are convincing. However, they are basing their opinions on fallacious assumptions rather than reality. Completely halting development and industry is extremely costly, and therefore it is important that we have conclusive information before making any rash decisions. Therefore, I advocate for Plan B. The Toad’s breeding ground will be protected, yet development can still occur. When more conclusive information regarding the Toads’ disappearance is found, Plan alterations can be made from there. Thank you.

Alice Anderson:
Thank you, Mr. Fowler. Are there any more comments? no?

I believe that concludes our discussion this evening. I want to thank you all for coming out tonight. It is exciting to see so many people interested in the future of our region. Your input is very important to us and all of your comments will be taken into account in the upcoming weeks. Good night.