Idaho Congressmen Mike Simpson and Walt Minnick today introduced the Central Idaho Economic Development and Recreation Act (CIEDRA). The bill settles ongoing disputes over how to manage public land in Central Idaho by creating wilderness, releasing wilderness study areas, allowing for federal land transfers and providing for economic relief to residents in Custer and Blaine counties. 

Simpson, the author of the legislation, is pleased to have his fellow Idaho Congressman join him as an original cosponsor. “Walt knows first-hand the importance of CIEDRA and I’m thrilled he’s joining me in this quest. He understands CIEDRA is a good example of people with diverse interests coming together to create solutions that work for all parties. I’m proud of the bill, but mostly I’m proud of the individuals I’ve worked with over the years to create it.”

Minnick said this is but the first example of the partnership the people of Idaho can expect from the state’s two Congressmen. “It is a true honor to join my friend and colleague in sponsoring a piece of legislation so important to Idaho. Mike deserves high praise for his work and for setting a new standard on the collaborative approach to wilderness legislation. I pledge to him and to the many others involved that I will do all I can to help pass CIEDRA.”

Highlights of CIEDRA include:

Three New Wilderness Areas totaling 318,765 acres

· Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness - 110,438 acres of federal land in the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests will become the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness.  To be managed by the Sawtooth National Forest.

· White Clouds Wilderness - 76,657 acres of federal land in the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests will become the White Clouds Wilderness.  To be managed by the Sawtooth National Forest.

·  Jerry Peak Wilderness - 131,670 acres of federal land in the Challis National Forest and Challis District of the Bureau of Land Management Jerry Peak Wilderness.  To be managed by the Challis BLM.

Wilderness Study Area Released

· 131,616 acres of BLM Wilderness Study Areas Released or USFS Recommended not made wilderness.

· The following areas not declared wilderness have been adequately studied for wilderness and will be released to be managed as the Challis BLM, Sawtooth National Recreation Area or Salmon-Challis National Forest:

· The Jerry Peak Wilderness Study Area.

· The Jerry Peak West Wilderness Study Area.

· The Corral-Horse Basin Wilderness Study Area.

· The Boulder Creek Wilderness Study Area.

Grants

• Provides grants to Custer County for Economic Development and the enhancement of recreational activities in non-wilderness areas.

Land Transfers

• Provides for the transfer of certain public lands for important public purposes such as fire stations, low income housing, and city wells among other things