For more than three decades Idahoans — and those beyond our borders — have debated the issue of management of the spectacular area in central Idaho we know as the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains. We think it is time to end the debate, resolve the management questions, and move ahead, and we believe U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, has the right idea about how this important issue can be resolved in the interest of all Idahoans.

More than 15 years ago, we worked for many months to craft a piece of legislation that would have addressed, among other issues, the future management of the Boulder-White Clouds. The timing simply wasn't right. The timing is right now. We applaud the congressman's leadership and pledge our support.

Simpson has thoroughly studied the issues in Custer and Blaine counties, and he knows that if federal legislation is to pass, it must address the varied uses and needs in and around the Boulder-White Clouds. Simpson also knows the importance of the area to ranchers, hikers, hunters, off-road vehicle users, and to the local economy in central Idaho. His approach is to encourage thoughtful give-and-take among the various interests, find innovative ways to address specific management issues, and then pass a bill that we believe truly can be a "win-win" for Idaho.

The Boulder-White Clouds are home to some of the most spectacular high mountain wilderness in the United States. The area is superb habitat for big game. It is a favorite backcountry destination for hikers and campers. Snowmobile enthusiasts revel in winter's deep powder. Ranch families depend upon summer range for viable cattle operations. In other words, the area occasionally attracts competing uses, which demands that all the parties who care about the area engage in honest give and take over its future management. Mike Simpson has brought all the parties into the discussion and has earned their respect because he has worked so hard to understand and address all the issues.

As we understand his still evolving approach, it involves efforts to enhance the local economy in Custer County, a county overwhelmingly made up of public land, while carefully constructing legislation that would provide significant new wilderness protection for the most sensitive areas. The congressman's concept also fairly addresses off road vehicle use, ranching, and resource development. In the coming weeks, Rep. Simpson will work out the essential details of his legislation. We think his timing represents a rare opportunity for all Idahoans to embrace a comprehensive bill that settles, in a fair way, an old and contentious debate.

We started our political careers many years ago in the Idaho state Senate. Both of us served at the federal level. Needless to say, we haven't always been on the same side of land management issues, but in the case of the Boulder-White Clouds we are convinced that Mike Simpson, and those who have worked with him on this important effort, have found a winning approach. Areas of the Boulder-White Clouds clearly deserve wilderness designation. Custer County and Blaine County have economic interest in how the land is managed. Idahoans who recreate in the area want those opportunities to continue.

Finding the right and fair balance among the various groups is the key. We applaud Rep. Simpson for seeking that balance, and we're encouraged that he is closing in on a major success for Idaho.

Cecil D. Andrus was elected governor of Idaho four times and served as U.S. secretary of the Interior. James A. McClure served in the U.S. House of Representatives and then served three terms in the U.S. Senate, where he chaired the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.