Chenoweth: Grizzly Plan ‘Nonsense’ Lawmaker Opposes Reintroduction Proposal Even Though Timber Industry Helped Develop It

U.S. Rep. Helen Chenoweth labels a compromise proposal to reintroduce the grizzly bear in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness as “nonsense,” although the committee that proposed it includes the timber industry.

The proposal was made by the Intermountain Forest Industry Association, National Wildlife Federation, Defenders of Wildlife and the Lewiston-based Resource Coalition on Timber Supply, or ROOTS.

“It is nonsense to introduce a species that is feared and fearsome to humans and dangerous to humans into multiple-use impacted areas,” the Idaho Republican said in Lewiston.

The proposal calls for eventual establishment of a grizzly population of 200 to 300 bears in a recovery zone including the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The bears would be monitored to help prevent problems with humans.

“But I think it’s a new day. I don’t want to see the grizzlies destroyed. I think the people should go to where the grizzlies existed naturally,” Chenoweth said.

Experts have rejected Chenoweth’s contention that grizzlies never have inhabited Idaho.

She warned that the bears would affect recreation, commercial activities and big-game herds.

A ROOTS spokesman, Daniel Johnson of Nezperce, Idaho, said the compromise would address most of Chenoweth’s concerns through a 13-member citizens committee. He said he thinks the congressman’s concerns are valid.

“I would see Helen’s concerns as another opportunity to sit down and address those concerns,” he said.