Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Ms. Cooke. Senator McClure, my great-grandfather was a pio neer in eastern Idaho. My grandmother and my mother were both born and raised in Idaho. 293 I was not born and raised here, but I chose to come here and raise my family here because of the love of Idaho my family did teach to me. When I came to live here in Idaho, I knew I would not be living in a wilderness. I knew I would be living in a city, work in the city, pay taxes, buy my goods at stores, and hopefully contribute to the society there. I knew that when I needed to get away from the city, as we all do, I could very easily, as those lucky ones that live here in Idaho. An example in my case is the Payette Crest area, which is fairly close to Boise, and I have included a little more information about my thoughts on the Payette Crest in my prepared testimony. I would simply like to say that I think my great-grandfather would join with me in urging you to please keep the choices, the wilderness choices, for my great-grandchildren, as they are here for me today. Thank you.