Roadless hearing mostly draws critics of plan

In one of 16 hearings being held throughout the state, state officials took public comment about the plan co-authored by Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch. The rule would make over 3 million of Idaho's 9.4 million acres of roadless areas off limits to road builders and loggers, but would allow for road building as necessary in certain parts of the state.

LEWISTON – Local residents showed strong opposition to Idaho's proposed roadless rule, at least those at Tuesday night's public meeting in Lewiston.

In one of 16 hearings being held throughout the state, state officials took public comment about the plan co-authored by Lieutenant Governor Jim Risch. The rule would make over 3 million of Idaho's 9.4 million acres of roadless areas off limits to road builders and loggers, but would allow for road building as necessary in certain parts of the state.

"People are concerned about the 600,000 acres of general forest theme, and that's the theme that's been applied to roadless areas that have characteristics that are the furthest from wilderness," said Idaho Roadless Team Leader Brad Gilbert.

Some at the meeting, many representing various environmental groups, want to keep all the land off limits to loggers and miners.

"In Idaho, we have the largest amount of wilderness left in the United States," said one of the people testifying. "Why not be a truly wilderness state, by taking these roadless areas, which qualify, and pushing Congress and making them part of the wilderness system?"

State officials say the plan would improve forest health and reduce the risk of wildfire effects. But, some at the state level are convinced it's not what they're presenting, but who's presenting it.

"Fundamentally, it comes down to an issue of trust," said Tom Perry with Governor Butch Otter’s office. "Distrust of the current administration, past distrust of the forest service, and so a lot of that is coming out in these meetings, and whether that's directly related to what were proposing or it's a separate issue, sometimes it's difficult to tell."

"I'm always skeptical when the Forest Service started talking about managing for a healthy forest," said another critic of the rule. "Whenever they put out a healthy forest initiative, it usually means logging."

The 90-day comment period ends April 7, and officials encourage people to submit their concerns in writing. Officials say they hope to have the final draft of the proposal finished by this fall.

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