Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Ms. Dodson. Senator McClure, my name is Sherry Dodson. I live in Sandpoint, Idaho. I would like to talk about what I consider a religious or ethical or moral issue of this issue if you will permit me. I feel that we are—we have—we as humans have come to think of ourselves as the caretakers and, also, the managers of our planet. Several philosophers have made the—have stated the thought that we are not the owners but the caretakers of our environment. And I feel that in recent years that the focus of that concept has shifted to one of we are the owners and/or managers of our environment. We often talk about managing our wilderness areas. I feel very strongly that we are not more important than any of the other elements of our environment. That we have intruded upon those elements of our environment by exploiting them in a way that is detrimental to not only the other elements of the environment existence but also to ours. I feel that it is now time to back up a little bit and save a little space for the rest of the world to go on its natural path. I think that, one, we can realistically do that is by designating some pretty large areas of what's left of our wilderness as areas that will be left alone. And I think that if you make a strong wilderness bill, it will be a step in the right direction. I also think if you make a strong wilderness bill, it will be an assurance to your constitutents that you are, in fact, responsive to our needs and wishes here. I would also like to quickly read a short letter from Mayo Cupan of Sandpoint who was not able to be here today. She says: 'Dear Senator McClure, this letter is to encourage the designation of the Selkirk Crest to the wilderness area because of its unique characteristics.'