If you ski/ride around Western MT, please help support the West Central Avalanche center by writing to Debbie Austin, Lolo NF Supervisor. The center is in a state of uncertainty and could use a boost. Not to mention that we badly need to increase the current # of advisories per week (currently one).
Below is a basic letter that you can add to:
Letter Writing Initiative / Avalanche Hazard Forecast Service for West
Central Montana provided by the Lolo National Forest.
Please write a letter to Debbie Austin, Lolo National Supervisor about the
West Central Montana Avalanche Forecast provided by the Lolo National
Forest.
Sample Letter:
Debbie Austin, Supervisor
Lolo National Forest
Bldg. 24 Fort Missoula Rd.
Missoula MT 59804
Ms. Austin:
I would like to voice my support for the West Central Montana avalanche
forecast and opportunities for avalanche education provided by the Lolo
National Forest. I also appreciate the National Forest’s support of the
website “missoulaavalanche.org” that is maintained by the West Central
Montana Avalanche Foundation.
The working relationship between the National Forest and the Foundation is
an excellent example of government and public resources coming together to
foster public safety awareness. The Chief of the Forest Service has stated
that public safety is one of the top priorities of the agency. The
avalanche forecast shows Lolo National Forest’s active participation in
public safety.
I encourage the Forest to continue its efforts to provide the public with
this valuable education and information during the winter months. The
Gallatin National Forest helps provide a forecast everyday and the
Flathead National Forest helps provide two forecasts each week. I would
like to encourage the Lolo National Forest to consider providing two
forecasts a week for West Central Montana.
Thank you.
Other points to mention:
- missoulaavalanche.org has received over 100,000 hits and over 8,000
visits (where users used the advisory) since its inception this season.
- (if you’re a business that supports the website) the program enables
your business to assist in providing safety information to you customers
who recreate in the winter backcountry
- the program has provided valuable information to skiers, snowboarders
and snowmobilers of all ages
- the program provides education to public schools
- the program “markets” Forest Service to the public in a very positive light
- you utilize the information provide as part of your awareness when
recreating in the winter backcountry
- mention any classes or programs you may have attended
Cheers!
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