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Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA)

HR 222, CIEDRA (Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act) is a bill being introduced into Congress by Idaho Representative Mike Simpson.  While this bill would create 312,000 acres of substandard wilderness, it will also designate over 500,000 acres of immediately adjacent land in which motorized access would be given special priority over other uses.

This bill is touted as a wilderness bill but it is not supportive of wilderness values.  CIEDRA is the most egregious example to date of a growing trend in Congress that makes wilderness preservation contingent on the sacrifice of other public lands.  Unlike traditional wilderness legislation, wilderness provisions are now folded into multipurpose bills that facilitate water and land development, and bolster local control over assets that belong to all Americans. 

CIEDRA would give 5,693 acres of our public land to Custer and Blaine counties and local municipalities.  Giving away OUR public land for County Commissioners to sell for property tax income is wrong.  This land belongs to all citizens of the United States, not just to the people of Idaho, and it should be protected for future generations.  PRIVATIZATION of our public lands is contrary to the values of American citizens.    

CIEDRA establishes a 'no net loss' policy for motorized trails--if a trail is closed due to environmental damage or any other reason, equivalent new mileage must be opened up elsewhere.  Motorized vehicles harass wildlife, create erosion, introduce invasive noxious weeds, and take away the solitude of hunters, hikers, and horseback riders who seek to enjoy the natural quiet and to view wildlife. The decision whether to open or close an area should be in the hands of professional land managers on the ground, not mandated under federal legislation.

The Sawtooth Group and 47 other conservation and sportsman's organizations (15 of which are in Idaho) oppose this bill.

Idaho is truly one of the last great places where we have healthy ecosystems with clean water, clean air, and thriving native wildlife populations.  The sacrifices in this bill are just too great to allow this bill to go forward.

Links

Read the CIEDRA H.R.222 Bill

The CIEDRA Opposition Site