Dear Sir or Madam,

 I have been recreating in the Great Burn area Since 1999. While not as long as others It has bee very extensive. I started by snowmobiling in the winter months, when I moved to the Polson area in 1999. I then started going on pack trips with friends and their horses. I have also hunted in the Great Burn area. The friends that have showed me this wonderful area are 3rd generation. Snowmobiling, fishing, hunting, horseback riding their entire life. 
 I have never seen a negative impact in the summer months, from the winter use, in this area. I also have never seen any mountain goats there, summer, or winter. In the winter months, I very seldom see any large game animals, when recreating in the winter months. When I do it is down low, on the main roads (accessible with a automobile). The deep snow is what we enjoy along with the challenging terrain. This snow is what pushes the large game out. Due to lack of feed, and difficulty, if not impossibility, of traveling in the deep snow. This all seems self evident to me. 
  I have never seen any skiers, or snowshoeing activity in this area either. If there was I would still struggle to find the issue. If noise is the issue with this there are other solutions to this. Shutting out one segment of taxpayer to satisfy the other is not how this country was founded.
 A father myself I have raised one child recreating in this area. She is now 22. My wife and I now have 2 boys. One is 4, one is 6. To deprive my children of this, is not right. I do not want my children growing up hooked on TV and video games, overweight and lazy. They should be able to enjoy this area the same as generations before them. 
 I personally agree with limiting the access to some areas of our pristine back country. This area does that on its own. The difficult terrain, and deep snow keep the majority of people out. I also understand there are bad eggs in every basket. If we continue to punish the masses for the actions of one, what will be left? Education is the solution. I have personally enjoyed some of the classes the forest service provides.
 
  Thanks for your time and consideration,
                                                       Shon Hasselmann.


Shon Hasselmann
201 Demersville Road
Kalispell Montana 59901
406-261-1751