PRAIRIE ROSES: To the U.S. Forest Service supervisor of the Dakota Prairie Grasslands, Dave Pieper, who is retiring after more than 10 years in one of the toughest - and most rewarding - jobs in natural resource conservation and management. Pieper has been on the front line for a long time in protecting the multi-use protocols of the grasslands, often struggling against well-organized opponents among ranchers and in the energy industry. He was a principle player in the controversial and ultimately successful campaign to preserve the unique Eberts Ranch in Billings County, N.D. The historic ranch was saved from being taken over by private interests, whose first priorities were not history, heritage and environmental stewardship. Local grazing associations vigorously opposed the plan. Pieper's work since 2001 will stand as a testament to all the values of the grasslands and badlands. He's helped write a legacy for all North Dakotans, especially those who view the grasslands as more than a federally subsidized pasture.
PRAIRIE ROSES: To supporters of the Northern Lights Council of the Boy Scouts of America on groundbreaking for the new Jon L. Wanzek Center for Scouting in south Fargo. The fundraising effort has gone well. The plan for the new center is nothing short of spectacular. The building will be the flagship base for the council. A major gift from Jon and Lori Wanzek (Jon earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1978), plus other donations and support moved the project along to last week's groundbreaking ceremony. Construction should take about a year. It's a great sign that Scouting and Scouting values are thriving in the region.
LEAFY SPURGE: To all those North Dakotans who cling to the myth that partial Sunday opening (noon for most businesses) somehow honors a Sabbath day. If individual North Dakotans opt to avoid retail stores or entertainment venues on their Sabbath, more power to them. The state's relaxing of Sunday morning closing laws to accommodate people who might need flood-related merchandise is another indication the law is a waning symbol of religious interference in the secular marketplace. Let's get honest: Merchants should be able to open their doors whenever they choose. North Dakotans who don't want to shop on Sunday - morning or any other time on that day - can stay home or in church. Others will want to shop. It should be their choice, not the state's.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board.
