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Rattlesnake
Wilderness celebrates 25th year
The celebration of the 25th anniversary of
Missoula's own backyard wilderness area - the Rattlesnake - will get
started this weekend with a hike to Boulder Lake to help restore
some camping sites.
Congress officially designated the area on Oct. 19, 1980. "Having the Rattlesnake National Recreation and Wilderness right in our backyard makes Missoula a very special place," said Maggie Pittman, the Lolo National Forest's Missoula district ranger. "It helps define who we are. We want to celebrate this special place and its special anniversary, and give something back to the Rattlesnake." The celebration's anniversary theme is "Give Back to the Land." Events scheduled include:
Former U.S. Rep. Pat Williams, one of the sponsors of the legislation, is helping plan the anniversary celebration. "Our Rattlesnake Wilderness and Recreation Area is the best backyard in America," he said. "The bill designating this soaring, sparkling place seemed to move through Congress in record time, largely because of outstanding citizen involvement and support." The bill was introduced on Aug. 26, 1980, and signed into law on Oct. 19, 1980. Congress officially designated 61,000 acres in the Rattlesnake drainage to foster watershed, recreation, wildlife and education. The national recreation area contains 28,000 acres, and 33,000 acres are protected as wilderness. The Rattlesnake drainage is also a municipal watershed for the city of Missoula. "We are so lucky to have this wonderful area right next door," said Pittman. "Located only four miles from downtown, the Rattlesnake brings us together for a weekend hike, a short stroll with friends or a nice winter ski outing. It's just a part of our community." Reporter Perry Backus can be reached at 523-5259 or at pbackus@missoulian.com
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