Chief Joseph once compared the signing of a treaty to one person buying another person’s horse by obtaining permission from the owner’s neighbor. One of the essential parties to the transaction is excluded so another party can have its way. This is the all-too-familiar circumstance the Nez Perce Tribe finds itself in with the transport of “megaloads” along U.S. 12.

“Permission” for these megaloads to cross the Nez Perce Reservation and the wild and scenic corridor of the Clearwater and Lochsa Rivers was given over the objection of the U.S. Forest Service and the tribe without tribal consultation or the completion of a corridor impacts study of harm to the treaty — reserved rights of the Nez Perce Tribe and the corridor itself.

U.S. 12 runs along an ancient route known to the Nez Perce Tribe. It later became the route of Lewis and Clark and the highway once had that name.

This road along the Nez Perce trail is incomparable in its beauty, as well as its cultural value to the Nez Perce people. Its historical and cultural importance to the U.S. public is extraordinary. People who travel this route can feel its immense intrinsic value; the state of Idaho touts the unique nature and appeal of this corridor for tourism and recreation.