[Vision2020] Unlocking the ULX in Idaho County

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today's November 5, 2014) Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

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His View: Unlocking the ULX in Idaho County

Sadly, in politics today we too often focus on efforts to disagree rather than engaging in the arenas of ideas to seek solutions to the challenges we face. It is in this arena where visions can be set forth and new horizons can be conquered together.
So it was with encouragement when I read that a member of the Idaho congressional delegation acknowledged that much good work had been done on the Upper Lochsa Land Exchange, and that he was eager to consider this proposal in the next Congress. I urge all three members of our congressional delegation to engage in this process, which would benefit so many of their constituents. I also urge county residents and other stakeholders to take a close look at the proposal and see what has been developed to respond to concerns that have been raised.
Sometimes, opportunities to make a difference present themselves, and we let them go by the wayside. We all too often believe government is the solution, and we lose sight of our own abilities to reach out and help one another; it is through our individual talents where we can be the difference that makes the difference in seeking solutions for our communities.
The Lochsa exchange presents us with opportunities to change the dynamic of business as usual. When presented in its original form the county sought to protect the citizenry from higher taxes, while at the same time protecting the private land holdings within Idaho County, which are vital in providing revenue for education, roads and other services the county provides.
The solution the county put forward was met by opposition from those who thought they would be locked out of their favorite recreation areas, and we listened to those concerns as did Western Pacific Timber.
Western Pacific Timber went back to the drawing board. WPT spent months in Idaho County listening to stakeholders concerns and working to address these concerns. In a true spirit of collaboration, WPT set out to seek solutions.
I believe it has mitigated many of the issues concerning the citizens of Idaho County. In the process it has even forgone some of its private property rights to insure the local access will be maintained, and a stable supply of timber to our mills can be counted on for years to come. Maintaining existing local access and creating hundreds of needed jobs for our residents is a win-win situation for the county.
WPT has demonstrated a willingness to develop a new model of cooperation, recognizing not only the needs of the communities where it owns and manages land but also a responsibility to the traditions of local access that have been established over generations. This type of cooperation should be applauded, not vilified.
I would much rather work with county residents, our congressional delegation and others of good faith to seek solutions and make our community better for it. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we move the attention off ourselves and place it on those around us, and work to develop trust within our community.

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Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
 
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