Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

ENVIRONMENTAL LEAGUE, SANDPOINT, IDAHO Mr. Pacholke. Senator McClure, my name is Jim Pacholke. And I'm a businessman from Sandpoint and wilderness chairman for Panhandle Environmental League. I'm representing 130 members. This is an official position on wilderness legislation. And I will have copies for you later in the day. We are proud to be in Idaho. We are proud to be Idahoans because it's a very special place to live. And one of the reasons it's a very special place to live is because of the woods we have here and the wilderness that is available for recreation and for enjoyment along with, also, supporting the forest industry. We feel that Bonner County, especially, is working toward a broad-based economy where they are expanding their recreational aspects of the economy. And at the present time, the summer has increased over 18 percent over last year. And that indicates that 32-427 0 — 84 23 346 there's an awful lot of energy going into the recreational aspects of the economy. We feel that the preservation of Long Canyon, Selkirk Crest, Salmo-Priest, and Scothman's Peak are important to maintain the desirability of recreationalists that come into this area. The Forest Service estimates that by 1985, Pacific Northwest demand for wilderness will outstrip the capacity of wilderness as it exists at this time. I know from personal experience that my house has been invaded this summer by friends and relatives from all over the country just to come and enjoy the fine recreation that's available here. And we've gone into the wilderness many times fishing and hiking and camping. Thank you, Senator.