Two paths confront Idaho's Boulder-White Cloud Range. Congressman Mike Simpson, R-Idaho, finally could achieve his aim of passing the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act -- a signature measure he's been pursuing for more than a dozen years. Or President Barack Obama could declare the area a national monument under the 1906 Antiquities Act. CIEDRA is the Idaho plan. Acting as an honest broker of information, Simpson worked out compromises among county officials, environmentalists, ranchers and recreationists. It calls for 332,775 acres of wilderness, opening another 130,453 acres for multiple use, access for motorized recreation, money for trail maintenance and protection for ranchers. Once Congress has acted, the issue is settled. No wilderness bill has ever led to protracted litigation. But it's been stymied by political betrayal and gridlock/Marty Trillhaase, Lewiston Tribune. More here.

Question: Frankly, if Idaho can't get off the dime re: Boulder-White Cloud Range, I have no problem with President Obama declaring it to be a monument under the Antiquities Act. How about you?