|
Front Forever
Main Entry: for•ev•er
Pronunciation: f&-'rev-&r, fo-; Southern often f&-'e-v&
Function: adverb
1 : for a limitless time
As Max recently said in his e-newsletter, “forever is a long, long time.”
I haven’t had occasion to accompany Max on one of his many hikes up Ear Mountain with folks like Rick Graetz, but I can see the look in his eyes when he talks about Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front.
He’s almost like that uncle who tells the same story over and over again. EVERY time we fly over the Front on the way to a meeting here or there he asks the pilot to dip a wing and says: “see that? That’s Ear Mountain. Did I ever tell you about my hikes up there?”
“Yeah, Max, you did. Many times,” we rib.
But when the joking subsides, Max settles back into his seat. The look on his face tells it all: he’s worried about the future of this spectacular place, one of the wildest areas in the lower 48. It’s clear to me saving the Front is a deeply personal issue for him. This isn’t something he takes lightly or does out of political expediency. It’s ingrained in his soul.
That’s why his latest move to pass a permanent ban on new gas and oil drilling in the Front is a source of pride for Max. It’s one of the most significant victories for the Front in 30 years. The accolades are pouring in. Editorial writers, conservation groups, and concerned Montanans are hailing this as a major victory for the Front.
Max also understands that this was a team effort. He’s publicly acknowledged the many Montanans and groups who are helping to protect the Front. Some of those groups include The Wilderness Society, the Blackfeet Nation, the Montana Wilderness Association, Trout Unlimited, the Montana Wildlife Federation, Gene Sentz’ Friends of the Rocky Mountain Front, and of course the Coalition to Protect the Rocky Mountain Front.
Yes, there’s more to do, as the Missoulian said, but I’m glad to see people aren’t blowing past this accomplishment without reflection.
On a personal note, this victory makes all of us on his staff extremely proud of the man we work for. He used the clout he’s built in Washington to do what’s right for Montana, again.
For years, writers and photographers have captured in print and on film the majesty of the Front; how the rolling plains smash like a wave into a scraggly wall that is the Rocky Mountains. It’s is home to abundant wildlife, world-class hunting and fishing, and an ecosystem unspoiled by the hands of men.
Our kids and grandkids deserve a protected Front. The moral imperative is ours, so the front will be theirs.
Writer’s Note: Barrett Kaiser is Sen. Max Baucus’ Communications Director. He lives and works in Billings.
|
