A century-old look at our pristine northland

We have recently gone through a bitter conflict and unpleasant reactions to efforts to preserve native, beautifully pristine lands along the upper Milk River in north-central Montana. A century ago, our most famous historic figure in Montana made a statement that still holds remarkably true for such preserved and remarkable regions.

Artist Charlie Russell observed the following: "Guard, protect and cherish your land, for there is no afterlife for a place that started out as Heaven."

That observation applies to the badlands area along the upper Milk River as well as a number of other remarkably unique scenic and historic locations in Montana. We should take Russell's remark seriously and make a strenuous effort to preserve such sites, as was recently done with the upper Milk River region.

Sincerely,

Bill Thackeray, Havre