Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Mr. Simpson. Senator McClure, staff members, and fellow Idahoans, I am testifying only for the members of the Claude Simpson family from our permanent home of Priest Lake. I recommend that the committee consider the addition of approximately 40,000 acres to the Idaho Wilderness Area. The land I am proposing for addition lies between the northern slope of the Two Mouth Creek drainage area and the southern slope of the Abandon Mountain drainage area. The four factors involved in my recommendations are: One, Lion Creek and Two Mouth Creek drainage areas are the breeding and feeding grounds for the whitetail deer; two, the Abandon Mountain drainage areas are the trek routes for moose and blacktail deer; three, a wilderness area as rec ommended will provide nature the opportunity to heal the present wounds on the land. It will also permit rehabilitation of the streams for spawning beds for the wild cutthroat trout and the dolly vardon both of which are in or near the endangered species list. I wish to state that I do not object to multiple use of primitive areas. Senator McClure, I believe there is sufficient knowhow, manpower, and brains in the United States to devise ways to permit multiple use of our lands without tearing up the entire landscape. The technology is here now. But it is not being used as it is slightly more expensive to harvest trees and to carry on a mining operation in a wilderness area. 308 If we want to really be concerned about the economy of the great State of Idaho, I would recommend that we devote our energy and resources to the tourist industry and develop good State-supported camp and recreational facilities. Bother the State and buy up all the recreational land that we can get our hands on. It's a real privilege to testify.