Although quite late on getting back to me on the issue, I finally got one out of three responces back from S.D. representatives.
I figured I would post it, for others to see how some of the other states are looking at the subject.
here it is:
Dear Rocky:
Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 980, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA). I appreciate hearing from you.
H.R. 980 was introduced by Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York and would designate Wilderness, Wild and Scenic Rivers and other conservation areas in five states: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. Overall, the bill designates approximately 24 million acres of Wilderness, 1,800 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers, three million acres of biological connecting corridors, and one million acres of wildland restoration and recovery areas.
On May 5, 2009, the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public lands-of which I am a member-held a legislative hearing on H.R. 980. Since this hearing, no further action has been taken on the bill.
I have serious concerns with H.R. 980 in its present form. Many of the Members of Congress whose districts are directly affected by the Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers designations do not support H.R. 980. When considering this type of federal land bill, I afford the affected districts and their congressional representatives' judgment a great deal of weight in my decision-making process. In order for wilderness designations and similar conservation measures to succeed, proponents must build local support and consensus among a diverse set of stakeholders. This consensus-building process must include individuals and organizations whose industries and recreation activities depend on federal land and resources. Clearly, the Members of Congress who represent these districts are not convinced that the necessary level of local support has been reached.
Furthermore, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act would create new wilderness areas and include current wilderness areas for a total of 24,322,915 wilderness acres in total. This is a large amount of land, and I am not convinced that we can preserve the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service's commitment to the public lands policy of "multiple use" while simultaneously placing large restrictions on the use of so many acres of public land. Indeed, both the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have presented their views to the subcommittee and oppose H.R. 980 in its current form. Public lands belong to all Americans, and it is important that we preserve the rights for all people to enjoy and benefit from these natural treasures.
I will continue to monitor H.R. 980, and I will keep your comments in mind as the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act proceeds through the legislative process. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me about this important issue.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
Member of Congress
I figured I would post it, for others to see how some of the other states are looking at the subject.
here it is:
Dear Rocky:
Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R. 980, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA). I appreciate hearing from you.
H.R. 980 was introduced by Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York and would designate Wilderness, Wild and Scenic Rivers and other conservation areas in five states: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. Overall, the bill designates approximately 24 million acres of Wilderness, 1,800 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers, three million acres of biological connecting corridors, and one million acres of wildland restoration and recovery areas.
On May 5, 2009, the House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests, and Public lands-of which I am a member-held a legislative hearing on H.R. 980. Since this hearing, no further action has been taken on the bill.
I have serious concerns with H.R. 980 in its present form. Many of the Members of Congress whose districts are directly affected by the Wilderness and Wild and Scenic Rivers designations do not support H.R. 980. When considering this type of federal land bill, I afford the affected districts and their congressional representatives' judgment a great deal of weight in my decision-making process. In order for wilderness designations and similar conservation measures to succeed, proponents must build local support and consensus among a diverse set of stakeholders. This consensus-building process must include individuals and organizations whose industries and recreation activities depend on federal land and resources. Clearly, the Members of Congress who represent these districts are not convinced that the necessary level of local support has been reached.
Furthermore, the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act would create new wilderness areas and include current wilderness areas for a total of 24,322,915 wilderness acres in total. This is a large amount of land, and I am not convinced that we can preserve the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service's commitment to the public lands policy of "multiple use" while simultaneously placing large restrictions on the use of so many acres of public land. Indeed, both the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service have presented their views to the subcommittee and oppose H.R. 980 in its current form. Public lands belong to all Americans, and it is important that we preserve the rights for all people to enjoy and benefit from these natural treasures.
I will continue to monitor H.R. 980, and I will keep your comments in mind as the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act proceeds through the legislative process. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me about this important issue.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin
Member of Congress
