Hearing of Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee On the Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act of 2006

Hearing of Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee On the Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act of 2006

Statement of Senator Mike Crapo

Mr. CRAPO:

Good Morning, Chairman Craig, Ranking Member Bingaman, and Members of the Subcommittee. I'd also like to recognize my colleague from Idaho, Representative Mike Simpson, as well as Representatives Walden and Blumenauer, who are here today to testify on behalf of their legislation.

Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank you and members of the Energy Committee for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today on behalf of legislation I introduced earlier this year, the Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act of 2006. This comprehensive land management bill is the result of a five-year collaborative effort between a remarkably diverse group of stakeholders-the Tribe, local, state, and federal governments, ranchers, hunters, outfitters, motorized recreational users, and conservationists-- to resolve decades of heated land-use conflict in the Owyhee Canyonlands in the southwesternmost part of my home state of Idaho. The Owyhee Initiative is a groundbreaking proposal that seeks lasting protection for significant ecological areas in Owyhee County while ensuring economic viability for the local community.

Owyhee County contains some of the most unique and beautiful canyonlands in the world and offers large areas in which all of us can enjoy the grandeur. Many people wonder about the origin of the name 'Owyhee.' Interestingly, 'Owyhee' was an early spelling for Senator Akaka's home state of Hawaii. The initial "O" in the name is a reflection of the fact that in Hawaiian, the name of the island is expressed by saying ?O Hawai?i, which means "[This] is Hawaii." The Owyhee Canyonlands were so named for a group of native Hawaiian fur-trappers of the Hudson's Bay Company who disappeared there during an expedition in the area in 1826. The river and surrounding area was named in their honor. Very significantly, this history is brief compared to the that of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes who have worked with us from the beginning to develop the Owyhee Initiative and support its passage. The Shoshone-Paiutes believe this to be a major step forward as we protect and honor their homeland.

This picture of the Confluence of the Owyhee River and Battle Creek (point to poster), establishes for everyone the unique character of this place. 73% of Owyhee County's land base is owned by the United States and while traditionally ranching country, has long been prized by recreationists, hunters & anglers and motorized users alike. The county is located within an hour's drive of one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation: Boise, Idaho.

This combination of attributes is having an explosive effect on property value, community expansion & development and ever-increasing demands on public land. Given this confluence of circumstances and events, Owyhee County has been at the core of decades of heated political and regulatory battles. The conflict over land management is both inevitable and understandable. The question is: how do we manage for this diversity and do so in a way that protects and restores the quality of that fragile environment?

In this context, the core that was to become the Owyhee Working Group said "enough is enough" and decided to focus efforts on solving these problems rather than wasting resources on an endless fight. In 2001, I was asked to join the effort. I told them if they could form a comprehensive base of interests who would agree to collaborate in a process committed to problem-solving, I would dedicate myself to working with them and if they were successful, would introduce resulting legislation. They did and here we are today.

This unique group of people worked face-to-face and together created new ideas. For me, one of the most gratifying and emotional outcomes has been to see this group transform itself from polarized camps into an extraordinary force that has become known for its intense effort, comity, trust and willingness to work toward a solution.

They operated on a true consensus basis, only making decisions when there was no voiced objection to a proposal. They spent hundreds of hours modifying proposals and developing solutions. They have driven thousands of miles inspecting roads and trails, listening to and soliciting ideas from people from all walks of life who have in common deep roots and deep interest in the Owyhee Canyonlands. They sought to ensure that they had a thorough understanding of the issues and could take proper advantage of the insights and experience of all these people.

This is very difficult work for everyone and I want to acknowledge the effort of my friend and colleague from Idaho, Representative Mike Simpson. I support his work and his legislation.

The Owyhee Initiative represents the next generation of collaborative conservation. It transforms protracted conflict and uncertainty into resolution with bright prospects for the future. Ranchers can plan for subsequent generations. Off-road vehicle users have access assured. Wilderness is established. The Shoshone-Paiute Tribe knows its cultural resources will be protected. The Air Force will train its pilots in perpetuity. Local, state and federal government agencies will have structure to assist their joint management of the region. The Owyhee Initiative protects water rights, releases wilderness study areas and protects traditional uses. And this will all happen within the context of the preservation of environmental and ecological health. This is indeed a revolutionary land management structure-and one that looks ahead to the future.

This can't be called solely a ranching, wilderness, Air Force or Tribal bill. It is comprehensive land management legislation. Each group negotiated aggressively, and now remarkably, each supports the objectives of those with whom they had previous conflict. That is the most crucial element to consider as you hear further testimony today.

Certainly there is opposition to the Owyhee Initiative. Respectfully, I assert that they are wrong. There are others who are uncertain or have reservations. To them, I pledge to continue working to perfect this legislation and assure its passage; I appreciate your willingness to work rather than simply oppose. We prefer to move forward in an effort that successfully manages conflict and land, rather than exploit disagreements.

The status quo is unacceptable. The Owyhee Canyonlands and all its inhabitants deserve to have their conflicts resolved in a meaningful and timely fashion. The people of Idaho have agreed. The surge in support since the introduction has been powerful. I have received letters of support from dozens of organizations and entities. As with the Work Group that forged this agreement, the advocates of the bill have proved diverse and strong.

The Owyhee Canyonlands, all it's inhabitants and cultures are truly a treasure of Idaho and the United States; I ask you to join me in ensuring their future by passing this legislation.

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