Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Mr. Campbell. Thank you, Senator McClure, Congressman Craig. I live at 1200 Holden Lane, Boise. I have lived in the State for about 13 years. I'd like to second the statement that Barbara Bil lings has made to you. I believe we should look at some of these conversions and nonconversions from wilderness in economic light. I believe that there is ample evidence to suggest that the area around Boise and southeast Idaho is easier, it's easier for employ ers to locate here and attract with people because they can go to roadless areas in the wilderness for recreation. This is especially true for areas that can be reached on the weekend. I believe that we should try to maintain a variety of recreational areas. My experience indicates we seem to have an adequate amount of area that is roaded that people can access with motor ized vehicles. It might seem at this point in Idaho that perhaps we have enough area close in that we can use for wilderness experi ence. However, in my own time, I have seen areas in California become very overcrowded, that were once thought to be impenetra ble and there was once thought no way they could be overpopulated. But now they are overpopulated with hikers. So I'm saying to you From an economic point of view, please maintain these areas so that we can grow economically, will fully. Thank you.