Tuesday, July 16, 2013

It appears it’s a monument or nothing

The proposal to turn the Boulder-White Clouds into a national monument is an empty page so far. Proponents like the Idaho Conservation League and the Wilderness Society have laid out some parameters, but have not supplied maps or details. That has caused people who are generally satisfied with the status quo to express fears and concerns. This lack of clarity has been by design so far, said ICL Executive Director Rick Johnson. Proponents have wanted to show that they are listening to the conversation, not just selling their own plan. The Sawtooth Society, a group formed by supporters of the 1972 legislation that created the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, surprised everyone a week ago with a full page ad expressing fears of “unintended consequences” of a national monument designation and a call for President Obama to preserve the sanctity of Public Law 92-400. Some of the proponents of a national monument — including Craig Gehrke, Idaho representative of the Wilderness Society — have suggested President Obama consider designating the entire SNRA as a national monument. Others just want the Boulder-White Clouds and the Jerry Peak area, which is outside of the SNRA. No one has suggested the National Park Service take it over. No one has suggested overriding Public Law 92-400. John Freemuth, a Boise State University political science professor and scholar on national monuments, said he believes any contradiction in a monument proclamation to 92-400 would likely be challenged in court...more

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