Wednesday, August 8, 2007

CIEDRA criticisms are misleading

CIEDRA will protect ? special areas totaling more than 319,000 acres as wilderness for future genera


By MIKE SIMPSON

In a letter to the editor last month, Hailey resident Scott Phillips made statements about the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA) that are difficult to comprehend. His interpretation of my bill begs the question of whether he has actually read the language or if he is more interested in spreading rhetoric in the hopes that one of his many alleged red herrings will stick in the minds of the public.

Scott's assertion that CIEDRA would transfer federal water rights to the states is patently false. The language of the bill specifically states that "nothing ... shall affect any water rights in the State of Idaho existing on the date of the enactment of this Act, including any water rights held by the United States."

Scott also states that "(CIEDRA) creates three islands of wilderness transected by motorized corridors." One only needs to look at a map of the proposal to see this is not true. The fact of the matter is that there would only be one narrow motorcycle corridor separating the White Clouds Wilderness and the Hemingway Wilderness. The Hemingway Wilderness and Jerry Peak Wilderness are not separated although there are two small, detached areas that were kept at the request of the conservation community because of their outstanding natural values. Additionally, as part of the CIEDRA compromise, we close another motorized corridor that currently exists.

Phillips takes great liberty in stating that there will be "obtrusive commercial development and garish trophy homes." Throughout the CIEDRA process, I have worked closely with the Sawtooth Society, which has developed comprehensive building restrictions for the proposed 162-acre SNRA transfers to Stanley and the county for low-income housing and home sites. These restrictions are designed to prevent "trophy" homes and to ensure that the SNRA's special qualities and character are maintained for Stanley and the surrounding area.

Furthermore, I would disagree with Phillips' description of the 162 SNRA acres adjacent to Stanley as "prime SRNA acres ... " For Phillips, a former SNRA land manager, to state that these are "prime SNRA acres" makes me believe he hasn't been to the heart of the Boulder-White Clouds and the SNRA. Anyone who has seen the breathtaking panorama of Chamberlain Basin, the deep blue waters of Castle Lake surrounded by a natural amphitheater, the spectacular views from Baker Lake of Castle and Merriam peaks, or the quiet splendor of Walker Lake, knows what prime SNRA lands are.

I've hiked to each of these places and can verify that they are truly magnificent. The solitude one enjoys while visiting them will stay with you for the rest of your life. CIEDRA will protect these and many more special areas totaling more than 319,000 acres as wilderness for future generations to enjoy. The 162 acres next to Stanley don't compare.

If you see Scott on the street in Hailey this summer, please tell him to take a hike. Encourage him to see and explore the inner beauty of the Boulder-White Clouds for himself. I have, and they're incredible.

If you have a chance, I would encourage you to contact my office or go to my Web site at http://www.house.gov/simpson/ciedra.shtml to find even more information, figures and maps regarding CIEDRA.

_____________________________________________________

Rep. Mike Simpson represents Idaho's 2nd Congressional District. He is the author of H.R. 222, the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act, which proposes to establish federal wilderness in the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains.




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