Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Mr. Peterson. My name is Tim Peterson. I live in Boise. The wilderness areas being discussed are not just rock, water, plants, and animals. They are the very heart of Idaho. They are one of the prime reasons the native Idahonans stay, and one of the prime reasons that young, well-educated, productive people move to Idaho. Our State's future may well be tied to attracting such people as the economy diversifies. I hope that you proceed with this dissection of Idaho's heartlands with the caution and forethought of a surgeon. Idaho must not become like a poached elk carcass, abused and wasted. I strongly support the endangered Idaho wilderness core. But I am concerned that the rapid pace of formulating this wilderness bill will cause numerous roadless areas such as Scott Mountain, Red Mountain, Steel Mountain, Deadwood River, South Boise-Yuba River areas in the Boise National Forest to be overlooked. In particular, I am concerned about the Sheep Creek and Bread winner areas of the Boise Forest. These areas of granitic outcroppings, mountain streams and dry meadowlands are of high scenic and recreational value. I urge you to take a hard look at Boise's backyard wilderness areas. It is because of Sheep and Breadwinner that I strongly oppose any hard release language in your wilderness bill. Those areas are deserving of fair consideration for wilderness designation at some time in the future. thank you.