Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Proposal
SEEKING A STRONGER CENTRAL IDAHO
By Representative Mike Simpson
For a variety of reasons, I believe, the time is right to resolve many of the long standing and thorny land use, recreation, and
wilderness designation issues in Central Idaho. It is time to put these old debates to rest and move ahead to a stronger, more
secure economy in the rugged, beautiful and productive heart of Idaho.
Since my election to Congress, one of my highest priorities has been to resolve wilderness conflict issues in central Idaho. I realize
the answer is not to create wilderness and walk away. That would only magnify the land use conflicts we already face. The solution is
to first create an integrated economic development and recreation plan that addresses the needs of the people who live and recreate
in central Idaho. If we do this, then maybe legislation could move forward that would include wilderness as a component.
This is not the first attempt to solve the Boulder-White Clouds management issue. Senator McClure and Governor Andrus worked
together to find a wilderness compromise. Representative Stallings and then Representative Crapo each made their own attempts.
Those efforts faced a political climate that made it difficult to compromise. Things are different now. Today, lawsuits, national monument
threats, ESA protections for fish and wildlife, as well as a myriad of other restrictions and conflicts have forced all parties to reconsider
the need for a compromise in the Boulder-White Clouds. We are now presented with a unique opportunity in which we can reach
out to parties and find a long term solution. We have a rare opportunity to control our own destiny by crafting legislation that fits
the needs of central Idaho.
During the past year, my staff and I have met with some of the groups that would be impacted by possible legislation. These
meetings included Custer County’s past and present commissioners, ranchers, snowmobilers, off road vehicle users, outfitters,
conservationists and others. What I have heard has made me believe we can find a positive, reasonable outcome for the management
of the Boulder-White Clouds that benefits all users. It has also made me realize there are four main components that would be addressed
in any legislative package.
The first component is the need for economic development in Custer County. Custer County is larger than three states yet has
just over 4,000 people. Unfortunately, it is burdened with a high proportion of public lands with over 95% of the county’s 3.4 million
acres administered by federal agencies. One only needs to speak to the County Commissioners to realize that this grossly disproportionate
public ownership causes a severe strain on their resources. Simply put, the county’s tax base, or more specifically the lack thereof, is
inadequate to support the services required for such an expansive county. I think it’s important to note, the county’s citizens and
taxpayers are supporting those who recreate in the area by maintaining roads, law enforcement, search and rescue, medical aid and
other services, infrastructure and facilities.
The second component is ensuring our ranchers, outfitters, miners and others who are permitted to operate on Forest Service
and BLM lands in the Boulder-White Clouds can continue to maintain their livelihoods. They need an opportunity to remain as viable
and sustainable operations so that they and their children can continue their traditional way of life. The third component consists of
recreation and motorized users who need certainty so that they are guaranteed continued access to recreation areas without finding
their roads or trailheads have been shut down overnight. The last component would release wilderness study areas deemed non-suitable
for wilderness and designate wilderness taking into account the recommendations of the Forest Service and BLM. In addition, in order
to protect the forests, communities and homes in the Stanley area, we need to look at the emergency removal of bug killed “red trees”
before the forests are reduced to ashes.
While these four components will be central to resolving the Boulder-White Clouds issue, there are many other issues and
groups that will play a part in the ultimate resolution. In the coming months I will be reaching out to these groups and the public
to discuss how possible legislation may affect them.
Finally, it is important to remember that resolving old battles and moving to a strong future requires the active and constructive
participation of the interested parties. The old approach of sacrificing the needs of one group to benefit another just won’t work.
It never did. What we must have is give-and-take, a willingness to find a reasonable compromise that addresses all those who care
about the Boulder-White Clouds and depend on the area for their livelihoods and enjoyment. In the end, we need support from
the people of Custer County, their elected representatives and the users of the area. With that support, I am confident that we
can strengthen the local economy, preserve great recreational opportunities, protect a treasured area of Idaho and bring an end
to the decades old debate.
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