Idaho Wilderness Hearings

Statement:

Mr. Milner. Senator McClure, Idaho is what America was, as my shirt says here. Idaho is what America was in large part because of the remaining remnants of roadless lands Idaho is blessed with. This hearing today is to help decide how much of that roadless remnant America and Idaho will be allowed to retain. We are discussing how much Idaho's character should be changed to more closely resemble the factories of the Midwest or the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Idaho's high standard of living—the clean water, the good hunting and fishing and river rafting—are based in large degree on roadless areas providing good watershed and good habitat. As Todd Maddock of the Idaho Forest Council has pointed out, roadless areas and wilderness has, 'psychic benefits for the average citizen in Idaho and the rest of the country.' I urge the other members of this committee, as well as yourself, to take into account these difficult to quantify values. Wilderness is here in Idaho. We can't make new wilderness in Maryland or Delaware. There are, of course, economic values to be also to be considered in this process. Another Idaho Republican politician, Attorney General Jim Jones, recognizes the economic value of wilderness in an interview with the Lewiston Morning Tribune in June. He said contributing to larger fish runs are streams closed for development by recent wilderness legislation and the Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. That is good news not only for anglers, but for Idaho's economy as well. Steelhead fishing in the State contributed $11.5 million to the economy during 1982; and although that was a banner year, coming seasons could see that figure double and possibly triple. Something he didn't mention was the fact that not only the designated wilderness provide this habitat, but it's also the de facto wilderness such as is typified in Clearwater drainage just where no development has occurred. Jones recognizes the economic value of roadless areas and wilderness areas. And I hope you do as well. To the degree you do recognize wilderness values, Senator McClure, Idaho will remain what America was. To the degree you don't recognize the wilderness strength of Idaho, Idaho will become that much more like suburban Virginia or Maryland where you currently reside. Senator McClure, please let Idaho stay Idaho. Thank you.