Where they stand
Where the candidates stand on timber policy | |||
| Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho | Scott McClure, Crapo’s Democratic write-in challenger | Rep. C.L. “Butch” Otter, R-Idaho | Naomi Preston, Otter’s Democratic challenger |
| I advocate collaborative efforts to resolve public lands and roadless issues. I’m actively engaged in resolving the Owyhee-Canyonlands issue. Under my subcommittee’s supervision, the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, an important step in timber policy, was written and passed. HFRA is already working on the ground in Idaho. Public lands management works best when those affected are involved in decisions. | I believe that roadless areas are treasures that should be preserved unless good reason exists to introduce roads. Therefore, I would prefer a policy that preserves roadless areas unless the states request that roads be allowed, rather than a policy which starts with the premise that roadless areas will be eliminated unless states request they be retained. Regarding timber, the goal must be a balance between the timber industry and environmentalists, providing a steady and sustainable supply of timber to U.S. mills while preserving key wilderness areas. | A focus on local stewardship and active management in the Healthy Forests Restoration Act promotes reasonable public access and sustainable timber production while protecting habitat, recreation and watersheds. President Bush’s roadless policy also fosters a more collaborative relationship between federal and local governments while advancing the interests of self-determination and accountability that are the cornerstones of public trust. | Logging practices have improved significantly from the “cut and run” companies. Logging roads have provided Idahoans better access to federal lands. We must achieve a balance of use of federal lands. Idahoans must have access to federal lands by foot, bicycle, horse, ATV or snowmobile. However, we must ensure that lands are not abused through negligent use. |