Idaho panel supports state control of federal lands

A Senate panel is supporting a resolution asking the governor and legislative leaders to get Idaho more involved in managing federal lands that fall within the state's boundaries. Priest Lake Republican Rep. Eric Anderson told the Senate Resources and Environment Committee Monday the state should maintain some of the federal lands that make up at least 61 percent of Idaho's territory. Anderson says the state sometimes does a better job taking care of forests than the federal agencies and that Idaho could use the land to raise money for public schools. Colorado officials have contracted with the U.S. Forest Service to get rid of brush that could easily catch fire growing on federal land bordering state and private property. Utah has a similar agreement with the agency. The resolution now goes to the Senate. AP