Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Mr. Robinson. Thank you, Senator. I'm Dwight Robinson. Perhaps you're wondering why many persons like myself would drive over 100 miles from Sandpoint to Coeur d’Alene just to say a few words of testimony on wilderness areas that they have never visited. Well, Senator, the reason why I am here is to convince you that our wilderness areas should be considered as a trust fund to be used for ourselves and for future generations. These areas should not be allowed to be exploited by the timber and mining industries for the sake of a quick profit. It is true I have never visited Long Canyon in the Selkirk Crest nor Mallard-Larkins or the other areas outlined in the Endangered Idaho Wilderness Core as of yet. However, while working at the Trout Creek Ranger Station in western Montana, I did witness areas of devastation performed by the timber industry. Why, Senator McClure, did they log Beaver Creek and leave the logs strewn across the streambeds and clearcut water storage areas? Senator, I have witnessed this and other areas of very poor management. And, obviously, the Forest Service should accept some of this responsibility. The timber industry has proven to me beyond a doubt they are not trustworthy to harvest timber on our Forest Service lands let alone in wilderness areas. Will you, therefore, please consider adopting the Endangered Idaho Wilderness Core as a minimum trust fund to be set aside for future generations. Remember, Senator McClure, the cliche: 'Idaho is what America used to be.' Let's keep it that way. In review I wish to say I propose the 6.5 million acres of National Forest lands which are still roadless to remain that way. Also, I wish Senator McClure to include the Endangered Idaho Wilderness Core in his legislation. In addition I urge Senator McClure not to include hard release language in his bill because hard language would permanently ban future wilderness consideration for areas not now classified. 32-427 0 - 84 24 362 Thank you.