wolflady, I think the population is divided about the opinion on wolves. People who have livestock are the ones who get most upset about them. Generally, I think most people are happy that they're here! I'm not from here - I've only lived here about 8 years so I'm still an outsider! The people who live in this area are very attached to the forests and wildlife - and they do everything they can to prevent the people population from getting any bigger. They raise a huge raucus any time industry wants to do anything, and I think that's great. The economy stinks, as a result, and the poverty level is pretty high, but people are willing to make sacrifices to keep things just the way they are. Very few people stay in the area after they graduate from highschool, because there aren't any jobs. So the population is pretty old.

I don't know how many arguments my husband and I have had over the issue - he believes that the economy should be nurtured so that our kids will remain in the area. I think that no sacrifice is too great to keep the forests just the way they are, and that the economy can stay just the way it is. Kids can come back to visit!

When we first moved here I was absolutely shocked at the cold reception we received, and from what I hear that's the way it is for all newcomers. I guess that's the way it has to be, though. That's why the wildlife is thriving so well.

I wasn't here when the wolves were reintroduced but, before I moved here about 8 years ago, several were brought here. Obviously they've done very well. Yes - it is very heavily forested up here. If you look down at the area from a plane, it looks like just one big forest with a few small towns stuck in.

Gosh - sorry. I didn't realize how long I ranted on!