Owyhee Initiative

Floor Speech

OWYHEE INITIATIVE -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 25, 2009)

* Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Senator Crapo for his efforts in creating Idaho's newest wilderness areas in the Owyhee region of Southwestern Idaho. The designation of wilderness in Idaho is long overdue, as it has been nearly thirty years since the late Senator Frank Church created the River of No Return Wilderness.

* I applaud the Senator for having the patience and perseverance to develop the compromises he has made with numerous ranchers, county officials, sportsman groups and conservation groups. The years of effort he put into creating this legislation are a testament to just how special these lands are. It is assured that Idahoans will be enjoying these unspoiled vistas and areas for generations to come.

* There are numerous individuals in Idaho to congratulate for their hard work. I won't name them all, but Fred Grant, Chad Gibson, Brenda Richards and Craig Gherke put a lot of effort into this process. In addition, John Hoehne and Layne Bangerter of Senator Crapo's staff did tremendous staff work on the ground in Idaho. If they and so many others didn't commit themselves to the Owyhee initiative, there would have been nothing to work with here in D.C.

* Finally, I saw first hand here in Washington how this legislation could not have been completed without the efforts of Peter Fischer on Senator Crapo's staff, David Brooks on Senator Bingaman's staff, and Marcia Argust with the Campaign for America's Wilderness. Their commitment and belief in the product developed in Idaho made it possible for this legislation to move forward.

* Idaho can be proud of the work that Senator Crapo, his staff and its stakeholders have done in creating the Owyhee legislation.

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