In the beautiful state of Montana

High in the Rocky Mountains

Just west of the town of Anaconca

Lies Bitterroot National Forest.

Continental Divide is its eastern border

Idaho borders on the west, and

Bitterroot River flows with power

Thru this, our National Forest.

To many, this forest is their home

All kinds of animals and beautiful birds

All about, they fly and roam

Their forest home, we should protect.

Snowcapped mountains and forest of green

I always called it God's coun-try

You should leave our parks clean

For all mankind to see and enjoy.

To the "High Country" I like to go

The birds are what I search for

Even when there's plenty of snow

Even the little animals are all about.

A forest fire, a person can cause

Or maybe it was an act of God

A little fire:  a forest fire:  we pause

To wish our forest friends a safe refuge.

Flames grow bigger!  Flames go higher!

Of course the wind is no help at all

The firefighters work hard to deter

The flames will lose, sooner or later.

Now take a look at the bewildered deer

Standing in the middle of this stream

They hear the crackling of the trees; and fear

Not knowing which way they should run.

For all firefighters, we give applause

For all they do to save our beauty

They do their duty and for good cause

To preserve for us, our National Forests.

Vina Carathers

October 25, 2000