Rehberg could support phased-in wilderness plan

U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., said that he could support U.S. Sen. Jon Tester's plan to expand wilderness and increase logging -- but only with more assurances that the logging will occur. Rehberg, who has held 22 meetings on the measure, said Monday he doesn't think Tester's plan accomplishes its intended goals the way it's written. Rehberg said he would like to see the wilderness areas created in pieces if logging benchmarks are met. Otherwise, the Republican said, the logging could get tied up in court after the wilderness is created. Rehberg envisions an annual analysis to make sure each side gets what it wants. If 7,000 acres have been logged as stated, then a part of the new wilderness area can be established, he said...read more