Wilderness Commentary

Letter: Hopeful for wilderness

Idaho Mountain Express (ID)
June 8th, 2010

I am so gratified to see that our Idaho delegation has joined forces in supporting the newest version of the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness bill. I hope that our governor will get on board as well.

Letter: Pass this act!

The Idaho Statesman (ID)
June 8th, 2010

So the CIEDRA has life again. This act will create three new designated wilderness areas (330,000 acres), thus guaranteeing primitive recreation opportunities, protecting critical habitat for wildlife and fish species and preserving scenic viewsheds.

It will also open up 130,000 acres for multiple use and other important recreational activities. Land transfers of public land to nearby municipalities have been reduced, and ranchers who voluntarily retire their grazing permits would be fairly compensated.

Opinion: It’s time for new Idaho wilderness

Idaho Mountain Express (ID)
Wendy Jaquet
June 4th, 2010

For 16 years, I have had the pleasure to serve and represent the citizens of my district in the Idaho Legislature. I have learned a lot about what it means to be an elected official. Many times you will find yourself caught between diverse interests. Having to resolve those differences and find common ground is an art that has been lost in a time when partisan politics have crippled our government. Today is not like my high school government class teacher promised.

Letter: Modified, improved bill

The Idaho Stateman (ID)
June 2nd, 2010

At last, bipartisan legislation to save the Boulder-White Clouds is poised to be passed in Congress. For over 26 years Idahoans have worked to protect this precious area.

The legislation has been modified and improved over time, and now all four of our congressional and Senate members are supporting this important bill.

Future generations of Idahoans will owe a debt of gratitude to all our representatives. Thank you.

Elisabeth Ratcliff

Garden City

Letter: Delegation takes a strong, united stand

The Idaho Statesman (ID)
June 2nd, 2010

Recently I read in the news that Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch have introduced legislation in Congress for the protection of the Boulder-White Clouds. I know that Rep. Mike Simpson has worked hard on this issue, and I'm glad to see the rest of the delegation taking a strong stand.

One of the reasons that I live in Idaho is because of this state's beauty. Natural places are assets that will promote Idaho's economic growth. Protection of the Boulder-White Clouds will strengthen the economy of our state for many years to come.

Opinion: Businesses back Rogue protections

The Daily Courier (OR)
Dave Strahan
June 2nd, 2010

This past week, we have seen a groundswell of support for Josephine County's greatest asset, and indeed one of our nation's greatest assets, the Wild Rogue River. Many local businesses have long supported the proposal to increase protections for the Wild Rogue ‹ Rogue Wilderness Adventures, Rogue River Outfitters, Morrison's Rogue River Lodge, Summer Jo's, etc.

Letter: Preserving scenic Idaho future generations

The Idaho Statesman (ID)
June 2nd, 2010

My lifelong passion as a photographer has taken me to many treasured landscapes throughout Idaho. Living in Owyhee County, I have taken countless photos of the Owyhee River canyons. I have also spent a great deal of time in Central Idaho, taking photographs of the Boulder-White Clouds, which are pending protection as wilderness in Congressman Simpson's Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act. This important piece of legislation is now supported by Idaho's entire congressional delegation, for which I am thankful.

Letter: Wilderness timing is important

The Register-Guard (OR)
June 2nd, 2010

I agree very strongly with the May 26 "Going Rogue" editorial. There is no question that the land that provides the world-class rafting, fishing, hiking and habitat on the flanks of Rogue River must be protected as wilderness. I count myself amongst the many tens of thousands of Oregonians whose lives have been enriched by this amazing place.

Letter: Homegrown legislation

The Idaho Statesman (ID)
June 2nd, 2010

We were thrilled to see that Idaho's entire congressional delegation is supporting Congressman Simpson's legislation for wilderness in the Boulder-White Clouds. We love hiking there and feel privileged to be able to enjoy Idaho's quiet, backcountry areas. We want to see the Boulder-White Clouds protected for future generations of Idahoans as well.

We hope that our elected congressional officials will do all that they can to get this homegrown legislation passed by Congress.

Sarah and Kurt Fesenmyer

Boise

Letter: Not a people in despair

Wyoming Tribune Eagle (WY)
June 2nd, 2010

A year after spending six days in the Bighorn's Rock Creek without seeing another human except my camping partner, without any of our supposed "necessities" such as showers and microwave ovens, with only a tent wall for protection ... I reflect on our need to preserve the tiny portion of our land that has not been seriously affected by man's presence.