Theres a lot of speculation on what the lame duck Congress will do over the next few weeks. Two Idaho wilderness bills are up for consideration but it seems unlikely either will make it to the Presidents desk by years end. Theyre most likely to go unnoticed.
The Idaho Cattle Association executive director Lloyd Knight says the members voted and are willing to support Senator Mike Crapos Owyhee Initiative legislation which protects ranching and wilderness in the southwest corner of the state.

KNIGHT And were supportive of what theyre trying to accomplish down there but obviously we do have a caveat in there. We want to make sure that everything that is in that agreement happens before its all implemented, i.e., lets make sure theres funding there to complete the agreements for the ranchers so theyre not left hanging.

Senator Larry Craig says hes working on minor changes to the Crapo bill and Congressman Mike Simpsons Boulder-White Clouds legislation. Craig says he will support both bills but like the ICA, only if the money is there to pay the ranchers first. Crapos bill sets aside more than a half million acres of wilderness, 384 miles of wild and scenic rivers and promises 15 million dollars to ranchers who give up land and grazing areas. This bill hasnt come up for a vote in either chamber while Simpsons bill has seen action in the House only.

Todays Idaho Ag News
Bill Scott