While reading the article entitled "Groups want snowmobiles barred from caribou habitat" (Aug. 17), I was dismayed to read Priest Lake Trails and Snowmobile Club treasurer Ingo Schiller's quote, "Caribou how often do you see those? Once in a lifetime?"

Does this mean that because of they're very rarity, they don't matter? That's exactly the point of trying to protect them: it's already only a once-in-a-lifetime if you're lucky opportunity. Do we want to reduce it to "never in you wildest dreams" opportunity?

I know the vast majority of snowmobilers are reasonable and responsible people, and they deserve access to the wilderness. At the same time, caribou deserve the right to exist. No snowmobiler is going to die if denied access to certain sections of wilderness, especially since there will still be many miles of trail easily available in the same area.

We need to keep in mind that this isn't just about three caribou; it's about preserving a web of life essential to the long-term viability of the human race. As one of the most endangered species on the continent, caribou need and deserve our protection.

Maryanne C. Gaddy
Spokane

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