Posts tagged: Idaho forests
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack called a one-year halt today to any road construction or timber removal on national forests under the roadless area conservation rule without his personal approval - but the new directive exempts Idaho. That’s because Idaho already has a plan for roadless forests, though it’s being challenged in court. “What they’re saying is, ‘Well, Idaho has their plan and we’re accepting their plan, but everybody else, we’re going to do this one-year deal,’” said Brad Hoaglun, spokesman for U.S. Sen. Jim Risch. “Idaho is the only state.” Hoaglun said Colorado has been working on a roadless plan, but unlike Idaho, didn’t get it all the way through the federal rules process. Risch made the roadless plan a priority when he served briefly as governor of Idaho in 2006.
Vilsack said in a press release, “This interim directive will provide consistency and clarity that will help protect our national forests until a long-term roadless policy reflecting President Obama’s commitment is developed.” The directive applies to all inventories roadless areas in national forests and grasslands - except those in Idaho. It lasts for a year, but could then be renewed for another year. Click below to read the full statement from Risch and Sen. Mike Crapo applauding the treatment of Idaho in the move.
Betsy Z. Russell covers Idaho news from The Spokesman-Review's bureau in Boise.
Named best state-based political blog in Idaho for 2013 by The Fix
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