Wilderness vs. monument for Boulder White-Clouds?
PUBLIC LANDS -- Some Idaho groups are supporting national monument status for the Boulder-White Clouds rather than a compromise wilderness bill.
Groups weigh in on Idaho U.S. Rep. Simpson's wilderness bill
Idaho U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch introduced legislation last week to prevent presidents from using powers under the Antiquities Act of 1906 to designate areas national monuments.Meanwhile, their colleague in the House, Rep. Mike Simpson, introduced a new version of his Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act that would create three new wilderness areas in the state. Simpson's bill would protect an area that some in Idaho have been pressing President Obama to designate a national monument. While Simpson and Risch are collaborating, The Wilderness Society, Idaho Conservation League and the Wood River Bicycle Coalition still prefer national monument status.