Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Ms. Pirozzoli. My name is Lynn Pirozzoli. I reside in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and am employed by Hecla Mining Co. as environmental supervisor. I am here today on behalf of the Northwest Mining Association as chairman of the Public Lands Committee. I am adamantly opposed to the creation of any additional wilderness in Idaho. Although I am in full support of the wilderness concept, I believe sufficient land has been set aside for that purpose. In the future, I believe that Congress should exercise the good judgment to allocate public lands for its maximum usefulness—that is, multiple use. Wilderness study areas have imposed sometimes unreasonble and impractical limitations on the ability of private enterprise to explore for and develop minerals on public lands. At a time when our Nation is dependent on politically unstable sources for strategic minerals, it would seem sensible to open more public lands for exploration and development. Abundant reserves of minerals are available in lands proposed for wilderness, in addition to wilderness areas themselves. We already have set aside an adequate percentage of our land base to remain untouched for future generations. It would now seem wise to ascertain a mineral inventory for use by future generations. I believe that the public interest would be best served if lands currently being studied for wilderness were released. I implore you not to rush into the decision of designating additional areas as wilderness until we are certain that our national interest and the economic well-being of our citizens are being served. Thank you.