BLAINE COUNTY, IDAHO
RESOLUTION 2005-51


SUPPORT IN PRINCIPLE FOR THE CENTRAL IDAHO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND RECREATION ACT (CIEDRA) BY HR 3603 REPRESENTATIVE MIKE SIMPSON

WHEREAS, Blaine County’s economic health depends on high quality recreation opportunities on national forests and public lands; and

WHEREAS, the quality of life in Blaine County is directly related to the beauty and undeveloped nature of surrounding public lands; wilderness and roadless areas support Blaine County’s economic base which depends both on tourism and continued high quality of life for residents; and

WHEREAS, Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID) has introduced legislation to resolve long standing, contentious issues involving the management of federal lands in Central Idaho, proposing wilderness protection for 300,011 acres—more than any Idaho politician has ever proposed for this threatened landscape; and

WHEREAS, The “Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act” protects wilderness as part of a larger framework that includes provisions for the continuation of diverse forms of recreation including mountain biking, snowmobiling, motorcycling, hiking and horseback riding, and much-needed economic assistance to local communities; and

WHEREAS, CIEDRA proposes to transfer small tracts of federal land to Blaine county to assist with public infrastructure needs relating to sites for fire stations, gravel, solid waste transfer stations, and future county growth; and

WHEREAS, Blaine County Board of Commissioners held a pubic hearing on HR 3603 on October 13, 2005 to allow Blaine County citizens and local and national advocacy groups to express their opinions on the benefits and costs of passage of CIEDRA, and received written comment for three weeks; and

WHEREAS, public comments on and analysis of the CIEDRA show that it represents a carefully developed compromise that benefits Blaine County, its residents,
the State of Idaho and the citizens of the United States and these positives outweigh some of the problems with the legislation; and

WHEREAS, HR 3603 as of this date of this resolution is still being revised and certain questions remain regarding:
The addition of wilderness areas in the North Fork of the Big Wood River in Blaine County;
The nature of the purchase of federal grazing permits throughout the Boulder-White Clouds;
The protection of public lands through the provision for continued motorized recreation on designated roads and trails especially in areas without established travel plans; and
The designation of one or more non-motorized trail access in Wilderness for people with disabilities:
The present lack of funds designated for the purchase of mining claims from willing sellers within the wilderness boundaries

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, on behalf of the residents of Blaine County, the Blaine County Board of Commissioners hereby conditionally supports and endorses the passage of HR 3603, the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act. However, because the language of the legislation is still in process and because the final maps of lands to be transferred out of federal ownership are still in negotiation, the Board will defer final determination of our support until those matters are final.

This Resolution is in full effect upon its adoption this 20th day of October, 2005.

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Sarah Michael, Chair
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Tom Bowman, Vice Chair

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Dennis Wright, Commissioner

ATTEST:
Marsha Riemann
County Clerk