Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Mr. Bentley. Thank you, Senator. You've heard extensive testimony so I don't think I'll go into a recitation on that. I'd like to strongly support the preservation of these lands for wilderness area within the Selkirk Crest-Long Canyon area and on the Mallard Lake-Larkins Peak area. I've had the privilege of visiting those. I was born in Coeur d’Alene. I've worked in the communication industry for 26 years. I left this area in 1959 and traveled and lived extensively throughout the United States including 2 years in New York, 9 years in Los Angeles County. I did extensive work in Chicago, southern Florida, and so forth. I returned in 1979, 20 years later. And I'm very concerned with what I see. I've had the privilege of living in some Forest Service ranger stations. I've had the privilege of living in some extremely rich metropolitan areas. There's no question in my mind the values in the State of Idaho is changing and changing dramatically. I'm here to implore you to seriously consider not acting quickly in opening these areas up. They were created roadless. I see nothing to be gained by doing something hastily or under the guise— under the guise of alleged unemployment or economic hard times. I honestly fail to see the evidence that our hard time now is contributed by an issue of whether we've locked land up or put restrictions on it. We know better than that. I see that we could also reverse decisions should this Nation need that lumber and need those minerals. But the other States would give a right arm or a left leg for what we have here. I think the topography of the State is changing and changing dramatically. And so, again, I ask caution on dealing—almost deal with any pressure if it is a decision that may cause irreversible, irrevocable damage to the land. Thank you very much, Senator.