Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Mr. Beecher. Yes, my name is Ron Beecher. Thanks for the opportunity to speak to you, Senator. I'm talking as a private citizen today. When you said I had 2 minutes, my wife said last night that's about as long as a rock song. And all I could think of was rather than a short period of time, how long that can be especially when I'm listening to my daughter's heavy metal. So I'll try to be very short here and make my one point. As a realtor from Bonners Ferry, I am concerned for this community's economic future. I share the county's concern for the timber industry. But any area's most important resource is its people. I have watched many quality people come to our area, spend money, invest, and settle here because of our natural beauty. Long Canyon as wilderness will continue and increase these needed people dividends in the years ahead. The decision for wilderness will strengthen this paying attraction. This canyon has remained roadless because of its topography. It has been too expensive to log. To now log Long Canyon would be a costly harvest with a low short-term yield for a town that needs a long-term diversified solution. I can see the dollars and cents benefits of advertising 'Welcome to Boundary County. Home of the Selkirk Long Canyon Wilderness Area.' Thank you.