As a supporter of wildlife and national parks, I am writing to express concern about Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation's (NYSE: BNI) alleged plan to use military artillery and other explosives for avalanche control in the southern boundary of Glacier National Park.

As you may be aware, Glacier National Park is a very special place for wildlife, providing habitat for a population of fascinating and valuable animals including the grizzly bear, gray wolf, Canada lynx and wolverine. All of these species occur in the southern portion of the Park being considered for shelling by Burlington Northern. I am very concerned that the possible use of explosives for avalanche control could have a measurable impact on the wildlife in the park.

According to local newspaper reports, there have been town meetings regarding this very issue, and several alternative plans are also on the table. Burlington Northern could invest in less destructive and more long-term solutions including repairing and expanding the network of snow sheds along the sections of avalanche-prone track. This choice would provide a more permanent and safer solution for the park's wildlife and visitors.

I would be horrified if Burlington Northern was serious about its proposal to blast one of our most treasured places. There must be solutions which would be far less dangerous and disturbing to the wildlife that lives there. If BNSF is considering this option, we owe it to ourselves and to the animals to be fully aware of the possible impact.

Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jessicafm/