Dear Buffalo’s Fire Reader:
The past few days have been inspiring for anyone who appreciates great writers. The University of Montana Law School brought in Rick Bass, American writer and environmental activist, Wednesday night to kick off the UM public lands conference, which ended today. Bass is a writer who lives up in the Yaak Valley near Troy, Mont. Yaak is supposed to be a Kootenai word for “arrow.” That’s what Bass said during his presentation in which he talked about a wilderness bill to protect the Yaak. Bass also repeatedly praised Sen. John Tester for his work on the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act, which has been introduced by Tester. Here are some additional opinions on the matter.
Of note, Bass also said he and the other 150-plus residents of the Yak were it’s only inhabitants, ever. Somehow, that doesn’t sound right. I think they have to be smack in the middle of land that must have a strong Kootenai connection. I have yet to call some Kootenai friends to find out. Nonetheless, Bass earns high grades as a fabulous environmetnal writer.
As for tonight, another wonderful non-fiction writer is in town — Michael Perry, author of “Population: 485.” Perry is reading tonight at 7 p.m. in the Dell Brown Room of Turner Hall on the UM campus. Those of us who are students of UM non-fiction professor Judy Blunt had the pleasure of having dinner with Perry and spent a few hours talking about the craft of writing. Did I mention that I’m really thrilled to be graduate student here at the UM? I love the collegiate atmosphere. It’s great to be in intellectual environment with many inspiring professors and students.
Jodi Rave