Revoke pilot’s, fishing licenses

Unfortunately for Sara and Sam Schwerin in their attempts to fly fish the South Fork Flathead from the comfort of their helicopter door, have only managed to display their privileged and entitled attitudes to all of us real Montanans.

I believe she deserves the highest level of punishment, both financially and legally for violating our public lands and our wilderness laws. Swiftly revoking her fishing license, her pilot’s license, confiscating her helicopter and imposing a significant financial fine could send a message to anyone who is watching.

Let me briefly explain why I feel so strongly about this matter. I spent several seasons building trails in the South Fork of the Flathead on a wilderness trail crew as a young woman. I became deeply passionate about protecting our wild lands and wilderness areas, and believe that these wilderness vales need to be upheld and defended. I worked very, very hard to build and maintain trails for all users, and spent entire seasons in the backcountry. I appreciate to this day the sheer physical effort it takes to arrive on the banks of the South Fork of the Flathead River. Its the effort that makes it all the more worthwhile and precious. And this pride is precisely what Ms. Schwerin lacks.

Thanks for listening,

Andrea Morgan

Ovando

Editor’s note: Both of these letters were received prior to the announcement of the fine amount by the U.S. Attorney’s office.