Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Ms. Samter. Senator McClure, my name is Karen Samter. My husband and I are homeowners in Bonners Ferry. I taught school until our children were born. My husband has a degree in forestry and shares my views regarding wilderness. I favor designating all the areas in Idaho which meet the specifications of wilderness as wilderness. I am especially concerned that Long Canyon be preserved as wilderness areas under the wilderness bill. One of the reasons I advocate the importance—I advocate this is the importance that the old-growth forests such as that found in Long Canyon have in maintaining healthy and varied wildlife. These uneven aged silva culturely over-mature stands exhibit a high complexity and diversity of habitat. Snags and fallen trees are critical. A study done in the Blue Mountains indicates that snags are used by 63 species of vertebrates, and downed trees by 179 species. Snags are first used for nesting, then come the primary excavators which make cavities for nests. These cavities are later used by other birds and mammals as sites for courtship rituals, nesting, reproduction, and overwintering. Insects inhabiting the wood are used as food. Downed trees provide sites for covers and production—protection, reproduction, feeding, and food storage. The debris dams that are formed by fallen timber provide food sources, cover from predators, and protective breeding areas for fish. To many species, the old growth forests offer optimum habitats. To some, the spotted owl, the pileated woodpecker, and many others, the old-growth forest is the only habitats. Without it, these species will become extinct. The preservation and enhancement of wildlife is worth it to us in dollars brought into the State by hunters, fishermen, hikers, photographers, by the knowledge gained through the study of wildlife in its undisturbed, preferred environment and the thrills that our children might experience in seeing the wildlife itself. As taxpayers, homeowners, and voters, my husband and I urge you to preserve Long Canyon as wilderness. Thank you.