Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Mr. Pace. I'm here. Senator McClure and committee members, I would like to thank you for this opportunity to express my views on the future use of Federal lands in Idaho. I agree that decisions concerning the management of these unde veloped areas could determine if Idaho is to be the Appalachia of the 21st century or have a stable, growing, high quality environ ment where value is added through the application of technical ex pertise, not the depletion of natural resources. As a computer software engineer, I place a high value on the proximity of nature's wilderness to my place of employment. The existence of wilderness enhances the quality of life in Idaho. Many others hold these same beliefs, in particular many techni cal professionals. Companies in various parts of the country at tempt to capitalize on their environments. I collected some profes sional employment advertisements from two periodicals directed at electronic and computer professionals. These advertisements de scribe the high quality environment and recreational opportunities a potential employee would find. One such ad, for a company in Tennessee, states, 'You'll be in spired by our spectacular surroundings — the great Smoky Moun tains and the awesome Cherokee National Forest.' How much more impressive are the Lemhi's, Pioneer's, and White Clouds? Another described Phoenix, Ariz., as 'One of the Nation's fastestgrowing, high technology centers.' Having recently lived in Phoenix for 6 years, I can attest to this fact. I would like to point out that the Superstition Wilderness Area is only 20 miles outside Phoenix. The addition of the Big Holes, Garns Mountain area to Idaho wilderness can only help the quality of life in Idaho Falls. This quality of life will help attract and retain high technology industry. The depletion and extraction industries provide boom/bust, low growth economies. I don't want to see the Forest Service subsidize these industries. I would much rather see the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources provide incentives for the develop ment and training of people: a renewable resource. 729 A conservative approach should be taken when dealing with the very long time constants of nature. In the case of wilderness desig nation, the conservative approach also represents the lowest cost to the people of the United States. The management resolution which insures the best economic return from these valuable wilderness resources is the preservation and simple conservation of these roadless areas. I urge you to protect roadless areas with wilderness designation. The potential long-term benefits of this decision far outway the short-term profits which only a few will obtain through a nearterm harvest subsidized by taxpayers through Forest Service road building. I want to continue these discussions. Man can't decide in one short period of time to dispose what has taken nature ages to pro vide. I m opposed to the hard release wording. Thank you again for holding this public hearing. I urge you to continue to provide the residents of Idaho with the opportunity to express their opinions to you in Idaho in hearings and meetings such as this one. Thank you.