[Vision2020] : DIVERSITY, OPPORTUNITY AND RENEWAL

[lfalen]

corrected.


> I though some of you might be interested in this. This is a good example of what can be accomplished when diverse interests work together to solve problems. This is of special interest to me because this is where I was raised. Our ranch was in the middle of this area. We owned a section of land on the North Fork of the Owyhee River. Our main rach was on Juniper creek, 6 miles down from the summit of South Mountain..The rimrocked canyons of the three branches of the Owyhee are really spectacular. There are no power lines into this area. however some ranchers have there own generator.
> Roger
> -----Original message-----
> 
> From: "Crapo News Release \(Crapo\)" newsclips at crapo.senate.gov
> Date: Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:21:39 -0800
> To: 
> Subject: DIVERSITY, OPPORTUNITY AND RENEWAL
> 
> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE		CONTACT:	Susan Wheeler (202)
> 224-5150
> Week of March 11, 2007 	        		      Laura Thurston
> Goodroe (202) 224-7500
> 
> 		DIVERSITY, OPPORTUNITY AND RENEWAL
>   	Guest opinion submitted by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo
> 
> Management of the Owyhee Canyonlands has been characterized by decades
> of conflict with heated political and regulatory battles.  Diverse land
> uses co-exist in an area of intense beauty and unique character.  The
> conflict over land management is both inevitable and understandable--how
> do we manage for diversity and do so in a way that protects and restores
> the quality of that fragile environment?  
> 
> In this context, the Owyhee County Commissioners and several others said
> "enough is enough" and decided to focus efforts on solving problems
> rather than wasting resources on a continued fight.  
> 
> On March 7, I introduced the Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act of
> 2007.  Over the past six years, we've come a long way.  In 2001, the
> Owyhee County Commissioners requested my help; last August, the Owyhee
> Initiative Work Group presented its final product which I introduced as
> legislation at that time.  Now, with the support of my colleagues, I
> look forward to moving it through the Senate in the 110th Congress.  
> 
> The Work Group, which represents all interests with a role in use and
> management of the Owyhee Canyonlands, brought me the successful result
> of five years of extraordinary effort, comity and willingness to work
> toward a solution.
> 
> The Owyhee Initiative transforms conflict and uncertainty into conflict
> resolution and assurance of future activity.  The Shoshone-Paiute Tribe
> knows cultural resources will be protected.  Ranchers can plan for
> subsequent generations.  Off-road vehicle users have access assured.
> Wilderness is established.  The Air Force will continue to train pilots.
> Local, state and federal government agencies will have structure to
> assist their joint management of the region.  And this will all happen
> within the context of environmental preservation and ecological health.
> This is indeed a revolutionary land management structure-one that looks
> ahead to the future.
> 
> Principle features include:
> 
> 	*  A board of directors to administer and implement;
> 	*  Scientific review; 
> 	*  Development, funding and implementation of research projects;
> 	*  Releasing wilderness study areas, designating wilderness and
> wild and 		scenic rivers;
> 	*  Establishing public lands travel plans including a
> multiple-use trail system;
> 	*  Protections of tribal cultural and historical resources.
> 
> This can't be called a ranching bill, wilderness bill, an Air Force
> bill, or Tribal bill.  The Owyhee Initiative is a Cultural Preservation
> bill.  It's also a comprehensive land management bill.   Each interest
> got enough to enthusiastically support the final product, advocate for
> enactment, and, most importantly, support objectives of those with whom
> they had previous conflict.  
> 
> Opposition will come from a few principal sources:  those who simply
> don't want wilderness designated; those who don't want livestock
> anywhere on public land; and, those who don't want to see collaboration
> succeed.  While I respect that opposition, I prefer to move forward in
> an effort that manages conflict and land, rather than exploit
> disagreements.  
> 
> The status quo is unacceptable. The Owyhee Canyonlands and its
> inhabitants, including people, deserve to have a conflict management
> process and a path to sustainability.  The need for this path forward is
> particularly acute given that this area is an hour's drive from one of
> the nation's most rapidly-growing communities.  The Owyhee Initiative
> protects water rights, releases wilderness study areas and protects
> traditional uses.  
> 
> I commend the commitment and leadership of all involved.  We've
> established a long-term, comprehensive management approach, and I will
> do everything in my power to turn this into law.  
> 
> The Owyhee Initiative sets a standard for managing and resolving
> difficult land management issues in our country.  After all, what better
> place to forge an historical change in our approach to public land
> management, than in this magnificent land that symbolizes livelihood,
> heritage, diversity, opportunity and renewal?
> 
> 
> WORD COUNT:  599
> 
> To link directly to this news release, please go to:
> http://crapo.senate.gov/media/newsreleases/release_full.cfm?id=270253&&
> 
> 
> ........................................................................
> ...............
> This is generated from an unattended mailbox.  If you have constituent
> comments or information you would like forwarded to Senator Crapo,
> please do so at the Senator's website, http://crapo.senate.gov.
> Comments sent to this e-mail address will not be responded to.
> 
>