Chenoweth Wants State Or Companies To Manage Lands Host Of Idaho Officials Back Proposal, But Environmental Group Vows To Fight

U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth, R-Idaho, said she would like to introduce a bill to allow a U.S. Bureau of Land Management district and a national forest to be managed by the state or a consortium of companies.

But an Idaho Conservation League official said killing the bill will be its top priority in this year’s Idaho Legislature.

Idaho Sens. Judi Danielson, R-Council, and Bruce Sweeney, D-Lewiston, are expected to introduce the measure soon.

A coalition including unions and chambers of commerce are backing the measure to open the door to state management of North Idaho’s three national forests.

Idaho State Controller J.D. Williams said he would not have a problem with the bill.

“That just gives them an ability to negotiate an agreement,” he said. “If the state could operate federal forest lands like state lands, that would be a tremendous financial boon to the state and beneficial for the federal government.”

In an Oct. 13 memo to members of the Coalition for Joint Management, Associated Logging Contractors lobbyist Skip Smyser said Williams wholeheartedly endorsed the proposal.

He said he advised Attorney General Alan Lance of Williams’ support for the proposal and met with Gov. Phil Batt’s chief of staff, Jeff Malmen, also.

Williams is the only Democrat on the five-member Land Board.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Anne Fox, Secretary of State Pete Cenarrusa and Lance said they support the concept behind the bill, but they have not seen a copy.

But Idaho Conservation League state affairs director Karl Brooks said he fears state management of federal forest lands would mean the National Forest Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act would no longer apply.