Senate OKs Boulder-White Clouds
Acting quickly after yesterday's committee approval, the U.S. Senate today unanimously approved a bill to officially designate the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness in central Idaho. The quick action, which follows more than 40 years of debate, protects more than 275,000 acres of public land as wilderness, the country's most restrictive federal public land designation. No motorized vehicles or equipment or even mechanized gear such as bicycles are allowed in wilderness areas. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. James E. Risch (R-ID). A companion bill, introduced by Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), cleared the U.S House of Representatives on July 27. The measure is headed to President Barack Obama for his signature/Rich Landers, SR Outdoors blog. More here.
