Idaho Ranchers Round Up Owyhee Wilderness Support in Congress
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Idaho ranchers, along with conservation groups and outfitting companies, are trying to round up support in Congress for the “Owyhee Initiative” today. It's a new-generation wilderness proposal that is designed to preserve not just land and historic sites, but future economic prosperity. Owyhee County rancher Cindy Bachman is in D.C.
“[As we] preserve the ranching industry and our heritage, we also preserve landscape at the same time.”
The initiative protects over 500,000 acres of remote land as wilderness, as well as supporting family ranching operations. It even supports responsible motorized use, something rare in a wilderness bill. Critics of the plan say it doesn't do enough to protect wilderness.
Bachman says families have been ranching in the proposed wilderness area for generations, and they assume responsibility as stewards of the land...
“If we're not living out there on the land, the land will not be protected.”
Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo (R) introduced the Owyhee Initiative.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…
Social Issues
A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …
Social Issues
Colorado is working to boost the state's agricultural communities by getting more fresh, nutritious foods into school cafeterias - and a new online …
Social Issues
Missouri lawmakers are concerned with protecting people from the potential risks of the increasing accessibility of AI-generated images and videos…