Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO Mr. Chadband. Thank you very much, Senator McClure. I'd like to testify as a concerned citizen and a State legislator this morning. I've found that many people have not set their priorities in order in this State. I feel that the majority of the people that are asking for more wilderness areas in Idaho are the same ones that are wanting a better education for their children. Can't these people see that when 69 percent of our land in Idaho is in public owner ship, it makes it rather hard to spread a tax base for education within the remaining 31 percent of the land. Idaho can't afford to lock up any more land. We need more money for the education system in Idaho and we won't get it by taking more land off the tax rolls. Testifying as a private citizen, I would like to express a few ob servations I have made. I fly a small plane and have flown over all sections of Idaho. I don't know if the general public realizes how much land we have in Idaho that is untouched. I have back packed throughout Idaho and I've floated its rivers. We have a beautiful State with so much of it devoted to wilderness now, but we also need jobs for our people, to support a high level of lifestyle for our children and our grandchildren. I have seen the no growth advocates who come primarily from out of State. These entrepreneurs want to restrict Idaho's future growth, I feel. An example of this is because the moratoriums are locking up land. A personal note, that I purchased a lot in Ketchum, Idaho, over 20 years ago for $2,200, and because of some of these activities and tying up in the no growth area, this is now worth $110,000. I feel this is a fine example for present ownership of getting rich through skyrocketing costs, but it kind of puts the real estate out of reach, I feel, of our youngster generation or future generation, this type of activity. 572 Last but not least is the question of how long do we have to tie up a decision with bureaucratic maneuvering? Twenty years of study, plus costs to the taxpayer is enough. I feel the two opposing sides are not going to change their minds, continue hearings and review, so I suggest that we call the shot and make these decisions for the betterment of Idaho and our nations and get on with busi ness. Thank you, Senator.