The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1937-12-16
Going After
Federal Park
This District
Starts Movement To Have
Kootenai Gorge Developed
As Recreational Area.
WORK TO BE DONE
UNDER CCC PROGRAM

The most important business
transacted by the Lions club at its
dinner Monday night was favorable
action on a proposal placed before
the club by James Blackford. Jr.
Mr.. Blackford's idea was to start a
movement for the designation of
the Kootenai gorge as federal rec
reational area and its taking over
and developing along those lines by
the forest service.
Mr.. Blackboard would have in
cluded in such an undertaking that
part OF the Kootenai canyon begin
ming at Kootenai falls and EXTEND
ing westward to the Throop place,
Also included would be adjacent
areas in the same general section
that could later be Incorporated in
the project and developed.
The land under consideration now
lies outside the boundaries of the
forest service. Under present reg
ulations the forest service can do
nothing in the matter. But there is
a resolution now pending before
congress that would make possible
the taking over of additional tracts
by the forest service. II that legis-
lation is enacted, the forest service
could then take over this area under
consideration and develop it. After
considerable discussion the Lions
agreed to draw up a resolution urR-
ing the enactment of the proposed
legislation by congress and to send
the resolution to the Montana senat-
ors and representatives. It was
also suggested that Mr.. Blackford
get in touch with the other civic
organizations of the community and
obtain their support of the project
in similar manner.
1t was brought out at the Monday
night meeting that the gorge could
be developed into an outstanding at
traction for tourists. It's natural
scenic beauty is unsurpassed. The
idea would be for the forest service
to clear out dead and down timber.
construct trails to vantage points,
mark historical and scenic features.
1t has also been suggested that
rustic gateWays could be construct
ed over the highway at each end
or the gorge to call the attention of
the traveller to the beauties of the
district. Another advantage of such
an arrangement would be that the
forest service could take over the
maintenance OF the old high line
road SO that it would be safe for
travel by those who wished to drive
up onto it for the marvellous views
to be obtained from the higher
vantage point. As is the practice
In the development of such areas.
none OF the natural wild and rugged
beauty of the spot would be altered.
!. II this work is finally undertaken
by the forest service, much of it
could be done by the Gees, the
nature of Che Improvements being
such that they would make good
winter projects
1t was also brought out that the
designating of the gorge as a fed
eral recreational area would have,
another advantage in that it would
keep out Objectionable features such
as roadside beer parlors, dance halls
and similar private enterprises.
The Lions decided to get behind
the movement and do what they
could to push it along.
The motion to support the res
olution in congress was made by
Lion L. S. WEIGH who spoke in
favor of the plan.
A letter was read from Mrs. A. A.
Wood, local chairman of the Christ
mas seal sale, asking the club to
contribute. 1t was moved by j. T.
Brindley and carried that the club
purchase dollars worth of the
seals.
A letter was read also from Mrs.
r. w. LIE Due, president of the
Libby Woman's club, setting forth
the swimming POOL project and ask
ing the club to contribute. 1t was
moved by Lion Brindley and sec
onded by DIR. Church that the club
donate $35 to the swimming pool
fund, which was unanimously
carried