Comment on FR Doc # 2012-12867

On behalf of the Priest Lake Chamber of Commerce I would like to record this organizations objection to the caribou habitat plan as proposed. Caribou habitat in use in 1984 was about as it is now with a small number of transient caribou using a limited area close to the Canadian border. USF&W efforts to augment or cteate a herd in a larger area have fauled because the imported caribou immediately returned to Canada or were eaten by predators. Consequently, we do not think that the best available science supports 375,000 acres or the arbitary 4,000 ft and above criteria. The current court ordered snowmobiling restrictions that have been in place since 2005 have done nothing to enhance the caribou population or health but the restrictions have had real and devistating economic on the winter economy at Priest Lake wich is supported by a professional economic study that has been presented to USF&W personnel. Visiting snowmobile business has decreased by 70% and this proposal will ultimately lead to additional restrictions on human use of this area. If caribou are struggling in the proposed area, good science would show that humans are low on the priority list of potential threats. However, our contention is that goo science would show that this area is not good caribou habitat. Priest Lake is still a very remote area with one paved road to the lake, none of which is in the proposed area. On the forest service land in the proposed area only about 70 miles of dirt road is open year around and an additional 30 miles arwe openon a seasonal basis. Since none of thios roadway is plowed in winter there is, forall practical purposes, no roads available above 3,000 ft after snows arrive. Snowmobile use in this area is light compared to other areas of the state. If caribou cannot survive in an area that is this lightly used then this just cannot be good caribou habitat. Respectfully submitted, Peggy Smith, President and Bob Davis Government Relations Chair