Wednesday, July 10, 2013

A national monument for the White Clouds?

Hiking up Ryan or Castle peak in the White Cloud Mountains is one of life’s most exhilarating experiences. In all directions, the view across miles of largely untouched magnificent mountains, lakes and forests is unparalleled and certainly deserves to remain unspoiled. As the Sawtooth National Recreation Area’s leading nonprofit advocate, the Sawtooth Society for many years has supported efforts to provide appropriate long-term protection for the Boulder-White Clouds. Like others who spent much of the past 10 years working closely with Congressman Mike Simpson to obtain such protection, the Sawtooth Society is disappointed Congress has failed to provide permanent wilderness protection for such a deserving area. And, in view of Congressional inaction, we appreciate the recent discussions regarding a new approach—seeking protection through a Presidential Proclamation declaring the area a national monument. As those familiar with this area of law know, no set rules exist on what a Presidential Proclamation creating a national monument can contain and a proclamation can have very broad, and unexpected, impact...more

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