On May 19, Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID) introduced the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act, which includes a provision to designate over 300,000 acres of wilderness in the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains. This area represents the largest unprotected national forest roadless area in the lower 48 states. The Boulder-White Cloud region encompasses rugged wildlands and spectacular vistas, provides critical habitat to dozens of wildlife and fish species, and offers exceptional recreational opportunities.
Rep. Simpson has been working with diverse stakeholders -- including conservationists, local governments, ranchers, and motorized users -- since he was first elected to Congress in 1999. After years of discussions and negotiations, the result is a compromise bill that strikes a fair balance among the various interests.
If this legislation is enacted, the degradation of wilderness values and fisheries habitat by vehicular intrusion and grazing will end, agency management will concentrate on wilderness values and motorized recreation where appropriate, and economic opportunities will be provided for local communities. In addition, groups which have long been at loggerheads over this area will be able to move on and address other longstanding conservation issues that deserve attention.
These wild public lands belong to you, your family, and all Americans! Please write or email Rep. Simpson and thank him for his leadership in introducing the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA) and protecting some of America's most rugged wildlands.
For more information visit: http://action.leaveitwild.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=26573
