Ceding more of Idaho to the Feds

WASHINGTON — Championed by Rep. Simpson, and now Senators Crapo and Risch, the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act — CIEDRA — has been hailed as a compromise. But both supporters and opponents of the measure acknowledged during a hearing by the public lands and forests subcommittee of the Senate Energy and Commerce Committee that the bill is far from perfect.

Idaho lawmakers asked the Democrat Congress on Wednesday for continued negotiation and collaboration on the sweeping legislation that would designate more than 300,000 acres of land in the Boulder-White Clouds mountain ranges as wilderness.

But advocates for recreation enthusiasts argued that the legislation was unnecessary, with much of the land already under federal control, and would hamper motorized recreation in the land.

Bill Dart, a representative of the Idaho Recreation Council, said he doesn't think the measure is necessary, as much of the area that would be designated as wilderness is already covered by the National Recreation Act, which prevents mining and logging.

During his testimony, Simpson reiterated his commitment to work with the various interests that have stakes in the outcome of the bill. Despite criticism from motorized recreation enthusiasts who say the measure would limit their use of land and environmentalists that claim the bill doesn't go far enough, Simpson said his bill protects Idaho's land [from] its people.

"The people live and recreate in this area are just important as the lines we draw on a map," Simpson said.

The hearing came only a day after Gov. Butch Otter voiced his opposition to the bill in a letter to Senators Risch and Crapo.

"My opposition to CIEDRA and additional wilderness areas in Idaho should not surprise anyone. I recognize the need for economic development in Custer County, Clayton, and the surrounding communities, but remain unconvinced that the answer is more wilderness acres and federal red-tape," the letter said.

Otter's Democratic opponent, Keith Allred, quickly released a statement proclaiming his support for the bill and condemning Otter for offering only last-minute suggestions for change.

Read more: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/06/16/96020/idaho-wilderness-bill-needs-more.html