[Vision2020] Sense or Nonsense in Public Involvement

[Tom Hansen]

Oops.

My mistake, V-peeps.

This article is from today's MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS, NOT the
SPOKESMAN-REVIEW.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho


On Wed, January 19, 2011 4:22 am, Tom Hansen wrote:
> Courtesy of today's (January 19, 2011) Spokesman-Review.
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------
>
> TOWN CRIER IV: Sense or nonsense in public involvement
> By John Carlson
> January 19, 2011
>
> I am thankful we live in a free country where we are able to express our
> opinions on matters that affect our lives. However, there are times when
> public involvement moves from a sensible discussion of relevant issues to
> the point of being nonsense and a hindrance to meaningful compromise. Such
> is the case in the debates over the Upper Lochsa Land Exchange and the
> transportation of megaloads over U.S. Highway 12 to Montana.
>
> I agree with Clearwater National Forest Supervisor Rick Brazell that an
> extension of the public comment period is unnecessary. He is no doubt
> aware of every possible opposing argument. They can be summed up in a few
> words - buy the Upper Lochsa lands outright and don't trade away the
> national forest land in my backyard. I can understand that argument, but
> since our federal deficit is already out of control it is unlikely the
> money for an outright purchase will be available any time soon.
>
> A look at the aerial photos of the Western Pacific Timber lands shows
> primarily cut-over land of little value as productive timber land in the
> foreseeable future. However, with the current policy of minimal logging on
> Forest Service lands, federal ownership of these lands is not inconsistent
> with such a management policy. The Forest Service would be the best owner
> for the restoration of these lands.
>
> As a general principle I favor private property ownership of land that has
> development potential. With regard to privately owned timber-producing
> lands we have state forest practice laws and local zoning regulations to
> minimize the risk of abuse on private lands. At the same time, I have some
> reservations about the motivations of Western Pacific Timber. Therefore, I
> urge the Forest Service to accurately appraise the values of both
> properties and make sure the exchange is based on meaningful comparisons.
> After all, my house is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.
> And who would buy the cut-over WPT land in the Upper Lochsa? Value is only
> a consideration of what someone would pay for the land, if a buyer can be
> found. This exchange should proceed only if fair-market values are
> determined for both the federal and private lands involved. It appears
> that this has not always been the case with such exchanges in the past.
>
> The discussion of shipping megaloads over U.S. Highway 12 also has moved
> to the nonsensible stage. As long as the companies involved can guarantee
> a relatively safe passage, they should be allowed to do so. This will add
> money to the local economy as well as have long-term positive impacts on
> our oil supplies. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil should be
> something we all agree on. To think that blocking these shipments will
> somehow make us less reliant on oil is folly. Each day the loads sit at
> Lewiston raises the price we pay for gasoline. Hopefully those few who
> strongly oppose will realize which side of the bread their butter is on
> and no longer put roadblocks in the way.
>
> Public involvement in policy making is a freedom we enjoy. It must be
> approached in a sensible way that addresses issues relevant to the policy
> being proposed. But it must also consider the importance of private
> property rights that we highly value. If we extend the same attitude
> toward other private property owners that we would like to have extended
> to us, perhaps we would not be as anxious to oppose the plans of others.
> And perhaps our involvement in public policy decisions would be based on a
> more sensible perspective.
>
> John Carlson is professor emeritus of rural sociology at the University of
> Idaho. He may be contacted at svcabin at gmail.com.
>
> ---------------------------------------------------------
>
> Seeya round town, Moscow.
>
> Tom Hansen
> Moscow, Idaho
>
> "The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
> and the Realist adjusts his sails."
>
> - Unknown
>
>


"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown