My name is Mike Krout, I live in Victor MT.
 
   I am supporting the SPECIAL RECREATION MANAGEMENT AREAS PROPOSED OPTION (SMRA) within the RECOMMENDED WILDERNESS AREA. (RWA) GREAT BURN AREAS.
 
   I have been snowmobiling in the proposed special use areas in the Great Burn since 2000. I also enjoy horse and back packing in these same areas and have never seen any evidence of snowmobile use, even on the places where I know I sledded the winter before via GPS location.  The snow levels are so deep in the winter it just is impossible for us to impact the surface environment.  As for any wildlife disruption; I nor my riding friends have ever seen any wildlife at these super deep snow altitudes. There is no feed or water for them in these beautiful but desolate places. I’m a avid lover of wildlife, and always have my camera ready. So far; I have never taken a winter wildlife photo while snowmobiling. I know snowmobiling does not encourage wildlife into areas but I am confident, and the study’s show, that it does not discourage them in areas such as this. A goat does not jump and run at the sound of an airplane high overhead, and a goat does not jump and run at the sound of a snowmobile either, this I am sure of. As for the Wolverine; all the same applies X 2. A wolverine is a carnivore yes? What idiot thinks there is food for the wolverine @ these altitudes in this deep snow. Yes they reside here during the summer months, but it is the snow, cold and lack of food that push them lower, not the snowmobiler. The snowmobile is a “sustainable” form of recreation for the special use areas that is proposed for the Great Burn. One more thing; it has been said that there is a conflict between other users and the snowmobilers, so I asked around: None of any of my friends nor I have ever come acrossed skiers, snow shoe’ers, or anyone else in this proposed area that wasn’t on or had used a snowmobile to get to these altitudes. The access to these areas would be limited to very hard core trekers who get a thrill trudging through 12 feet of snow(no one I have ever known) or snowmobiles. Yes; even the environmentalist’s use the snowmobile to get to where they need to start their winter fun.
 
   The Proposed action needs one change though:  The Goat lake and surrounding bowls, the Blacklead Mnt. and surrounding south facing bowls, the Doe creek drainage and surrounding bowls, the Deer creek drainage and surrounding bowls; all need to be added to the Williams Lake Cherry stem access. (SMAGB2)
 
No other area I have been to compares to this Great Burn area, It has and maintains it’s pristine natural beauty year after year. Please allow us to continue to enjoy this area by snowmobile.
 
Thank you, 
Mike Krout
412 Rippling Woods
Victor, MT 59875
406-396-1013