Boulder-White Clouds Bill Takes Key Step Forward

• Contacts: Rick Johnson, Executive Director, 208-863-4099
  
• Jonathan Oppenheimer, Senior Conservation Associate, 208-345-6933 ext. 26

WASHINGTON, DC – Idaho conservationists today cheered an important step in the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act’s path toward becoming law, as the bill was heard before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests.  The measure, introduced by Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, will protect over 330,000 acres of spectacular wilderness in the heart of the Boulder-White Clouds, as well as facilitate economic opportunities for adjacent communities and ranchers.

“Today has been a long time coming,” said Rick Johnson, executive director of the Idaho Conservation League, who testified on Capitol Hill in support of the measure.  The legislation will protect as wilderness 332,775 acres in the Boulder-White Clouds, including the proposed White Clouds, Hemingway-Boulders and Jerry Peak Wilderness areas, including 150 peaks more than 10,000 feet high, headwaters of four Idaho rivers, spawning beds for salmon, wildlife habitat and backcountry destinations for hikers, anglers, hunters, campers, and wildlife watchers.

Related appropriations measures will facilitate economic opportunities for adjacent communities through measures designed to reward ranchers for stewardship of sensitive landscapes and provide $6 million for community centers, health clinics and other community investments. As a concession to motorized recreationists, high elevation snowmobile access will continue in several locations, and a prized trail—Germania Creek—will be statutorily open to motorized access forever.  The Frog Lake trail will continue to be managed as it currently is.

“The bill is based on compromise, collaboration, and good faith negotiations concluded with handshakes—all values and actions we see too little of today,” he said, adding that its passage would demonstrate that “Idaho is a leader finding homegrown solutions to federal land management disputes that acknowledge the people who live here.”

In his testimony, the executive director pointed to a June statewide poll by Moore Information that found the Boulder-White Clouds bill is favored by a two-to-one margin.  In addition, more than 150 Idaho businesses back the bill.

“I commend the work of Senators Crapo and Risch, and in the House, Congressmen Mike Simpson and Walt Minnick for joining together to help this important legislation become law,” Johnson concluded.

Photos of the area are available for use at http://bit.ly/bwcphotosresporters