[Kim Brown]

I figure we could use some good news for a change. An appeal reversed the Forest Service's decision to close the Illabot Road, so it's to remain open. Note: that's what the secret social was about back in February. Thanks to all who contributed to the effort. I'll send personal notes later. Though legal counsel is not necessary for any NEPA process, we chose to hire an attorney to provide the framework for the appeal. We couldn't afford to have her do the whole appeal, though! We had to do a lot of our own reasearch, and she reviewed it and made suggestions. It was an interesting process, and wow, is there ever a lot of statute, policy and amendments to wade through! We didn't want to just throw in a laundry list of b.s. hoping something would stick. We really wanted to research it and be careful, because the Forest Service folks work hard, and it's difficult, if not impossible, to get everything right for the agency, for environment, for budget, and all users ; we didn't want to say something we didn't honestly feel was true. So it's great to celebrate, but please lets not rub anyone's noses in it. It was not fun to submit an accusatory document to an agency I respect, and then face the District Ranger afterwards during the meeting we had afterwards. The win is great, but the concept of keeping roads open is precarious at best, so reasonable continued access to public lands is not out of the woods (no pun intended).

[Schroder]

Thanks, Kim. I needed that after yesterday.

[cartman]

Great news. Thanks for your efforts and everyone who contributed to keeping this open. Well done.

[Dayhike Mike]

Thanks for the great news, Kim. Here's to hoping that the Whacko Watch, Pill-popping A-hole Society, and Nominal Coalition of Crazy Contrarians will leave it and the Suiattle the hell alone.

[Tom]

Fantastic news. Encouraging to see what can happen when less energy is wasted on debate and we find a way to unite.

[Slugman]

How permanent is this? Was this some kind of stay of execution, or a full pardon? In any case, thanks, Kim, and thanks to all those fabulous human beings who helped out at least a little. You are all saints, destined to sit on God's right hand in heaven. (I sent in a small check myself)

[iron]

awesome work kim. thanks for being the catalyst in this. without you...

[JimK]

I'll second Tom's statement. I cannot recall any time when hikers got together on their own and organized a carefully thought out response to a decision. Time and money were spent to do it right. Much thanks goes to Kim for organizing and doing a lot of the work. Still, we could not have done it without grass roots support. Thank you to all who participated. There will be more time in the future when our voices will be needed. I have no doubt that there are folks here who disagree with the appeal. Not all roads should be kept open. Budgets are limited. Still, there is not a lot of access left to the west side of the Glacier Peak Wilderness. I think this one was worth fighting for.

[Kim Brown]

[Slugman]

Thanks, Kim, you've made my day. Now if I could only get the BPJ story of the bluff-charging bear out of my head, I'll do a trip back in there.

[Eric]

Fantastic.

[Kim Brown]

[Slugman]

Oh, I thought it was at the Jordans. I've already been to Boulder, so yes, I am covered.

[Allison]

Is it paid off, or is there still debt?

[Slugman]

Good question. My donation was pretty paltry, based I guess on a cynical belief it probably wouldn't help. So count me in for some more, if needed.