Thank you

As all those who know us already know, we, as well as our families, have had a very tough month. For those that don't know what has been going on, here is a very brief overview. My grandpa Parker had been fighting a chronic illness for many years. This last battle he had to fight was by far his hardest ever. He was in the hospital for about two weeks before he passed away. This was on a Tuesday. The previous Saturday a kid Cameron and I went to school with passed away. His funeral and my grandpa's viewing were both on Friday. My grandpa's funeral was on Saturday. The Sunday following the funeral Cameron's uncle also passed away. These are just some of the emotionally taxing events that have happened. I would just like to thank everyone who helped us during these hard weeks. I would also like to thank my wonderful husband. He has been my rock during all of this. I don't think I would have made it through without his love and support. I am very blessed to have such a kind, understanding, and selfless husband.

Bear Lake Needs Your Help!

It has come to my attention that the resort Black Bear Mountain is trying to get a land swap with the Forest Service. They want to exchange land in Island Park for land from Worm Creek Canyon (St. Charles) to Paris Spring. This land they plan to turn into a huge PRIVATE development. They want to turn Paris Peek into a ski resort, and will have private access to some of St. Charles Canyon, Bloomington Canyon, and Paris Canyon. This would destroy the beautiful woodlands that we have taken for granted for all these years. This means no hunting, hiking, horse back riding, no picnics, no pictures by Paris Spring, and no Snowmobiling. In short this would totally cut off that side of the valley to the community, at least the ones that can't afford the expensive membership fees. Also, it would take away vital summer range land from the ranchers of the valley. This would force many to leave the farms many have owned for more that five generations. I realize that the valley is in dire need of economy, but this is not the way. It will only benefit the few, while depleting resources from the majority. It says on their website that this resort is meant as a holiday get away, a community of second vacation homes. This will not bring a stable population into the valley, and if we lose ranching families, our population will go down. Here is where we need your help. The forest service is making it's decision on April 14. You can write in letters telling them that the community thinks this is a bad idea. This will help them see that the makers of the resort really do not intent to help the valley, but to earn a dollar for themselves. The address is as follows
U.S. Forest Service
Mr. Larry Timchak
1405 Hollipark Drive
Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401

The website is www.blackbear.com if you want to check it out
Your help will help keep the land that belongs to the valley, accessible for the valley. Thank you for your help.