I was surprised to read George Nickas's letter telling your readers my views on what I "want" in a wilderness. It's rather remarkable in that I have never met Mr. Nickas, nor have I been made aware that he is clairvoyant. I have always welcomed comments and criticism regarding my Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA), Mr. Nickas's included. However, I take strong exception when individuals take the liberty to state as fact what they believe to be my own personal views and thoughts.
Rather than tell you what Mr. Nickas "believes" regarding CIEDRA, I will tell you what he should know if he has read my bill. He should know that CIEDRA creates three wildernesses totaling 319,000 acres. Two of the three, the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness and the Jerry Peak Wilderness are larger than any wilderness areas passed this Congress. They will be closed to motorized use with the same exception as in existing wilderness areas where motorized use may be allowed for fire suppression and game management by federal and state agencies. He should know that CIEDRA will close one main ATV corridor and prevents any new roads or motorized trails from being built. These are just a few things.
Mr. Nickas's use of inflammatory rhetoric—"riddled with ATV corridors," "wilderness open to widespread motorized use," "wildlife manipulated and shaped by managers"—is more of the same we've heard before from those who would stop CIEDRA in any way possible. It mirrors the rhetoric of those on the other extreme who oppose CIEDRA for reasons completely opposite to Mr. Nickas.
For Mr. Nickas to say that "[Simpson] only wants the Boulder-White Clouds to be wilderness in name only" is an insult to anyone who has seen the breathtaking panorama of Chamberlain Basin, the deep blue waters of Castle Lake surrounded by nature's amphitheater, the spectacular views from Baker Lake of Castle and Merriam peaks, or the quiet splendor of Walker Lake. I've hiked to each of these places and can confirm 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 as wilderness for future generations to enjoy. Mr. Nickas should not cheapen the beauty and spirit of the Boulder-White Clouds with his political rhetoric.
Finally, Mr. Nickas trumpets the "vast array of Idaho and national conservation groups" who have rallied to stop CIEDRA. He describes my supporters as a "tiny band of hand-picked supporters and elected officials." I'm honored to have Bethine Church, Cecil Andrus, Jim McClure, the Sawtooth Society, the Idaho Conservation League, the Wilderness Society, the Blaine and Custer County Commissioners and thousands of Idahoans standing behind me. These visionary, pragmatic individuals and groups have worked proactively with me to develop a true compromise that protects the wilderness values of the Boulder-White Clouds while maintaining existing uses for future generations of Idahoans. I'd take my "tiny band" of supporters over his "vast array" any day.
U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson
R-Idaho
