Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Ms. Roberts. Senator McClure, I am Debby Roberts. I live in Boise, Idaho. I speak today as an individual who is a native Idahoan, a wilder ness lover, a mother, and not a direct representative of any special interest group or organization. I fully support the conservation list endangered core previously identified in testimony today, and listed in detail in my written tes timony. I am not a backpacker or a climber. I don't float wild rivers. I don't hunt, and I don't fish. I don't need to be physically present to enjoy wilderness. I enjoy the existence of wilderness by the arts, painting, writing, and pho tography inspired by visits to these areas. I enjoy the wilderness by sharing the experiences and emotions of friends who do participate in back country recreation. As a mother, it is my duty to protect the natural wilderness so that my children can experience the wilderness, so that they can learn to care and take responsibility for these precious resources. It is a rare privilege for all Idahoans, and must be passed to our children so that they can share these gifts. I have more detailed written testimony to enter into the record, and I am submitting 15 copies at this time. Thank you for this op portunity.