Category Archives: Commentary

Larry Wilson: Don’t trust government for advice

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Larry talks about common sense flood and fire precautions . . .

The last few weeks, I have been amused (again) by the “experts” from various state and federal agencies regarding the possibility of flooding and/or a major fire season.

Common sense (why do we call it that when it is so uncommon?) will tell you that no one — even government experts — can tell what will happen in a month from now. If you don’t believe me, just listen to the five-day weather forecast and see how often the weatherman gets it right. Full-time paid government employees can study past trends, put information into a computer and create a model. In the end, that is the best they can do.

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Larry Wilson: Talking North Fork roads, fires

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This week Larry discusses the condition of the North Fork Road — always a hot topic this time of year — and summarizes the conditions for fire mitigation grants . . .

Every year in March and April, I am asked repeatedly, “How is the North Fork Road?” Questions come from Flathead Valley residents wanting to drive as far north as Big Creek to look for bull elk in Glacier National Park, or maybe wanting to drive to Polebridge to view elk on Home Ranch Bottoms, or maybe to the Merc to buy a turnover or some other sweet thing. (The Polebridge Mercantile will reopen this year on May 1.)

Also, there are many e-mails and a few phone calls from summer presidents in Florida, California and other undesirable places who are anxious to get back to the North Fork.

My answer always starts out the same way…

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Larry Wilson: Snowcats needed for winter rescue

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Larry expands on his previous comments about the importance of proper search and rescue snowmobile training, even in areas normally closed to motorized transport . . .

Most of the North Fork, north of Canyon Creek, is now closed to snowmobilers. There are some exceptions, where unplowed roads are open.

I stand by my statement that search and rescue training has been limited by the closures. SAR training requires space so that actual missions have operators experienced in backcountry snow conditions. You can not adequately train on groomed trails or even on unplowed roads. Very often, backcountry missions involve heavy powder, steep hillsides and running through trees. Extreme skill is important, but so is being familiar with the area.

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Larry Wilson: Bear meat was his main diet

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This week, Larry talks a bit about another old-timer: Frank Liebig . . .

Even before Norton Pearl made his snowshoe circuits of Glacier National Park, Frank Liebig was there. They must have known each other since Liebig worked for the Forest Service for 33 consecutive years, from 1902 until 1935, when he retired.

From 1902 until 1910, when Glacier Park was established, Liebig’s “district” was the area which became Glacier Park, and his home at the north end of Lake McDonald was reached by a trappers trail that extended to the Canadian Border.

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Larry Wilson: Remembering Katie and Ivan

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Larry speaks of the passing of Katie Wilson and Ivan Winsheimer . . .

Over the years, I have had a great deal of fun writing this column. Each week, it’s almost like writing a letter to friends, telling them about life on the North Fork. Most of all I enjoy researching stories about the homesteaders who settled the North Fork, and once in a while even about pre-homestead days.

I intended to write this week about another early day Glacier National Park ranger, Frank Liebig, who like Norton Pearl had many worth-telling adventures. Unlike Joe Cosley, they were a credit to the National Park Service and to the community.

Unfortunately, that story has to be postponed to write one of my least enjoyable columns. That is, of course the passing of not one, but two, people who have been important to me and many others on the North Fork.

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Larry Wilson: Around the Park on snowshoes

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This week, Larry passes along a story about Norton Pearl, one of the early Glacier Park rangers . . .

During the winter of 1913, Park ranger Norton Pearl completely circled Glacier National Park on snowshoes. His story, used here with permission from his daughter, Dorothy, tells a lot about the early day rangers.

They were not only a tough group of men, but they obviously loved the area as much as any of us do today. In most cases, their word was their bond and was valued by all who knew them. Following is a portion of Pearl’s account:

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Larry Wilson: Search and rescue practice

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Larry reports on the recent North Valley Search and Rescue winter training session . . .

Recently, North Valley Search and Rescue held their annual winter training at the Wilson and Ogle cabins. This year, more than 40 members took part in the Saturday training, and “sleep-overs” were held at Wilsons, Ogles, Hoilands and Braunigs. In addition, local residents help out as role players, and we invite others to just visit and learn a little about what we do.

Wide-area mock searches have been more that a little limited in recent years due to Forest Service closure of most public land in the area. This is the result of a behind-closed-doors agreement between the Forest Service, Montana Snowmobilers Association and the Montana Wilderness Association. I guess each of those three got all or part of what they wanted and were willing to give the old raspberry to anyone or everyone else.

Nevertheless, the training was valuable, covering fire building and shelter building as well as map, compass, GPS introduction. Big event was a mock search involving vehicles, ATV and snowmachines. Purpose is to practice actual procedures used in a real search.

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Larry Wilson: Walsh saga continues up North Fork

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This week, Larry talks about the Walsh family’s long association with the North Fork . . .

Very few of the original homesteader families still have ties to the North Fork, let alone still own land here. Ones that easily come to mind are Huck, Newton, Glover and Holcomb. There is one family with North Fork property that was actually on the North Fork before there was much, if any, homestead activity.

In the mid-1880s, copper magnate Marcus Daly paid for an exploration expedition of the North Fork. The expedition was led by Patrick Walsh, and their assigned task was to lay claim to any coal deposits that were found.

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