Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

IDAHO CATTLEMEN'S ASSOCIATION Mr. Bivens. Senator McClure, Senator Symms, Congressman Craig, I am Dave Bivens, executive vice president of the Idaho Cattlemen's Association, a statewide organization representing in terests of beef cattle operators across the State. The Idaho Cattlemen's Association has adopted a general policy regarding roadless and wilderness designation in Idaho. The ICA policy involves two parts: We are very firm in our opposition to any additional wilderness or roadless designation in Idaho and, too, we ask that these areas presently tied up in roadless study areas be released to be managed and used under multiple use. The ICA feels that Idaho has already contributed more than its share to wilderness, presently some 3.8 million acres of land. We are very opposed to sacrificing more of our Federal lands in Idaho to be put into mothballs. Idaho definitely needs to expand its tax base and develop job opportunities, rather than reduce them. We in the livestock business are vitally interested in the amount of forage and water available for cattle production. However, we are also extremely concerned about the other uses of our public lands: mining, timber harvest, and the other uses of these lands for recreation and enjoyment. They all generate revenue and provide jobs for business and government within our State. A reduced number of jobs, other than by Federal agencies, and a poor business climate quickly reflect back on the taxpayer by a re 164 duced amount of revenue to support our schools and provide serv ices at the State and local levels. Without these funds we are forced to choose between reducing services and quality education or increasing taxes on State and local levels to satisfy the needs. We feel it is unnecessary to sacrifice additional land to be desig nated wilderness or roadless. We sincerely believe that sound management of our national for ests is multiple use without abuse, affording everyone an opportu nity to use and enjoy these lands, whether it be for mining, graz ing, timber, hunting, fishing, or just plain enjoying the outdoors. This would not restrict the use to a few and discriminate against the elderly, the young, the disabled, and those middle and low income individuals working full-time for a living who don't have the time to enjoy those areas classified as wilderness and prohibit ing the use of wheels. We certainly hope that legislation can be adopted that will settle this question once and for all regarding the lock-up of these lands. Thank your for the opportunity to present this information.