Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Ms. Unkel. Thank you Senator McClure and Mr. Symms for the opportunity to present my views. I'm Margot Unkel. I'm a resident of Boise. I have submitted written testimony and I will not repeat in detail what is contained in the testimony in which I have made suggestions for specific areas to be included in the wilderness pro posal. I would like to address the issue from a somewhat different point of view. I have lived in Europe for more than 20 years. I have lived for extensive periods of time in six States of the United States. I have traveled and hiked in more than 30 of the United States. In addition, I have spent a considerable amount of the time during my education in the United States to study the resources of the United States. And I also had some education in that reference to Europe. In some ways, it has been disastrous. It has mowed over what there has been in terms of natural resources, we have been very bad in terms of taking care of it. We still have lots of resources in Idaho, they are being put to good use, they have contributed to our economy and I feel that we have to preserve it in order to continue the economic value to the State and for the enjoyment of the people. It was my free choice to come to this State. I have now been here for 4 years. It is one of the most beautiful States in which I have ever lived. I have planned and hoped that I will have the opportu nity to stay here and I hope that you will do your best to preserve what we have to preserve because only nature can create those re sources that we have in this State. 495 I All the money in the world cannot buy it and cannot recreate it. appreciate the opportunity. Thank you.