Like hundreds of other businesses in western Wyoming, my fly shop depends on tourists who come to the Cowboy State to hike, fish and raft along our many beautiful rivers and streams. If you ask the millions of tourists who visit every year which river in Wyoming is their favorite, many of them will answer the Snake.

That's why my business, and scores of other businesses in Wyoming, is a strong supporter of the Snake Headwaters Legacy Act. This federal legislation, introduced by the late U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas last May, would add nearly 400 miles of the Snake River and several of its most pristine tributaries to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system. Citizens with property and water right issues that do their homework will find they have no concerns. The Snake Headwaters Legacy Act is a win-win piece of legislation.

Sadly, Sen. Thomas is no longer with us. But Wyoming's congressional delegation -- especially U.S. Sens. Enzi and Barrasso -- can honor him and the thousands of citizens and businesses who cherish the Snake River by doing everything in their power to move the Snake Headwaters Legacy Act through Congress this fall.

HOWARD COLE, Jackson

High Country Flies