Idaho County Commissioner Jim Chmelik wants to steal a page from the environmental industry's playbook and use lawsuits to challenge federal land management practices. Speaking to about 15 people Thursday at the Lewiston Community Center, Chmelik highlighted the work of the Western Landmark Foundation, a nonprofit entity he created earlier this year. The foundation is trying to build a coalition of Western counties and pressure Congress into transferring public lands - or at least transferring management authority for the lands - to the states. "We're asking counties to contribute $3,000 to $5,000," he said. "With those funds, we want to bring lawsuits against the federal government. We think we have a great opportunity." Chmelik thanked the environmental community for the idea/William L. Spence, Lewiston Tribune. More here. (Chmelik photo/Lewiston Tribune)

Question: Do you think Chemlik will get any where with his attempt to take public lands from the feds?