Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Mr. Michealson. Senator McClure, my name is Russell Michealson. I'm a resident of Boundary County. I would like to limit my statement to Long Canyon and the Selkirk Crest. And I'd like to say that, basically, I'm representing my little 2-year-old son here today and trust that we may act wisely for the future health and well being of our children and our country. It is true that Long Canyon has become a regional symbol of controversy between different viewpoints and different types of mentality. Both of these viewpoints are of great value and are well meant in our particular area of interest. The fact that we find increasingly acceptable substitutes for the divisional uses of wood indicated that choosing a multiple use designation for Long Canyon, in particular, cannot compare to the value of living in a wild state. You've already heard many of the reasons for doing this. I am definitely for multiple use of our national public lands. Especially with good and careful methods of harvesting, our natural resources have proven economic and feasible. But not all of the facts are in regarding man's need to know and experience undisturbed area of wilderness. And not all the fact are in on the studies of the ecological relationships to be found in Long Canyon. There is a great deal of life in Long Canyon and in four and five. And I don't believe that we choose just the larger mammals and preditors that you can say that there's no wildlife there. So my viewpoint is that we should keep Long Canyon for the future, study it, and enjoy it and broaden our economic base in North Idaho. Thank you.