Analysis: 99 % Say “Yes” to Idaho Roadless Areas
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Keeping Idaho backcountry forests roadless has a 99 percent approval rate, according to an analysis of public comments on the Idaho Roadless Rule. The Gem State has more than nine million roadless acres, the most of any state in the Lower 48. Deb Hunsicker in Sagle is one of the more than 37,000 who commented on the roadless proposal.
"I’m particularly interested in preserving habitat for wildlife. When we see a lot of roads going in, that tends to disrupt their habitat."
In the coming months, the U.S. Forest Service will release a draft plan for Idaho roadless areas. One percent of those commenting on the state plan were against protecting roadless areas – the main concern is motorized access.
The analysis found most comments focused on keeping backcountry forests pristine, in order to keep big game herds healthy. Scott Stouder is with Trout Unlimited.
"Our statistics show that the biggest bull elk and our largest mule deer bucks come from areas that are largely roadless. And our best cold water fishery habitat is within roadless area boundary."
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