Arch Rivals Debate

Natural resources

The idea of building a replica Eye of the Needle, the Missouri River landmark destroyed by vandals, drew decidedly mixed opinions at a public hearing in Great Falls, Mont.

After pointing out the “wild and scenic” designation of that White Cliff stretch of the Missouri River, Frank Clinch said: “It may be scenic. But it certainly won’t be wild.”

Seeing the arch evoked a sense of God’s workmanship, he said. Rebuilding it will “offend that very sense of awe that I had.”

But Diane McDermand was among those who passionately advocated rebuilding the arch.

To look up on that white cliff and see just the remnant of the arch will only remind her of society’s bad side, she said.

“Don’t let them get the upper hand,” she said of the vandals.

The Great Falls meeting was in sharp contrast to a meeting Tuesday night in Fort Benton, where there was strong support for rebuilding the arch.

Public opinion is running 90 percent or more toward rebuilding the arch.

The 10- to 11-feet-tall natural arch carved by wind and water was a landmark photographed and painted by thousands. Its image graces the cover of the current Montana state highway map.

Sometime over the Memorial Day weekend, vandals destroyed the Eye and eight rock pillars nearby.

A decision on whether to rebuild the arch likely will be made in August.