|   IMBA Action Alert: Idaho Wilderness Proposal | idahoaction
Aug 7, 2002 12:23 PM | | Idaho Wilderness Proposal
Action Alert
For Immediate Release
08-06-02
Contact: Chris Cook, SWIMBA Board Member
smilycook@yahoo.com
208-363-1850
or
Gary Sprung, Senior National Policy Advisor
gary@imba.com
303-545-9011 ext 116
Idaho mountain bicyclists are facing the possibility of trail closures if two developing Wilderness proposals become law. Congressmen Mike Simpson is working on a bill that would designate the Boulder-White Clouds Mountains in central Idaho as Wilderness. Senator Mike Crapo is working on an Owyhee Wilderness bill for the southwest corner of the state. Both of these bills are in the initial stages.
A variety of interest groups have been invited to the table to discuss boundaries and alternatives, but mountain bikers have not been asked to participate -- yet. Representative Simpson's staff has told us that we do not represent a big enough group to warrant inclusion in the process at this time.
Mountain bikers' voices need to be heard! We need to be represented as a group when these Wilderness bills are being discussed.
Please support the efforts of mountain bikers Chris Cook (SWIMBA) and Harley Parson (IMBA State Rep) by writing letters to Representatives Simpson and Crapo.
Below is a sample letter, which you can modify and personalize and then send to the Representatives' and Senators' offices. (Please note that the best communication methods are mail, fax, or a phone call. Email is less preferable for communicating with Congress members.)
If you would like further information please sign up for the email group about Idaho Wilderness: Visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fairwilderness
For more info, contact:
Chris Cook
SWIMBA Board Member
1403 N. 7th St.
Boise, ID 83702
Day 208-363-1850
Night 208-343-5666
smilycook@yahoo.com
Send Letters to:
In regards to the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness proposal:
Representative Mike Simpson
U.S. House of Representatives
C/O Laurel P. Hall Resource Director
490 Memorial Dr. Ste. 103
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(Ph) 208-523-6701
(Fax) 208-523-2354
In regards to the Owyhee Wilderness proposal:
Senator Mike Crapo
Attn: Sarah Bigger
304 N. 8th St. Room 338
Boise, ID 83702
(Ph) 208-334-1776
(Fax) 208-334-9044
For both proposals:
Representative C.L. Butch Otter
802 W. Bannock, Ste. 101
Boise, ID 83702
(Ph) 208-336-9831
(Fax) 208-336-9891
Senator Larry Craig
Attn: Mike Matthews
1292 Addison Ave. E.
Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
(Ph) 208-734-6780
(Fax) 208-522-0135
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Sample Letter
Note: In your letter to Senator Crapo, substitute "Owyhee Wilderness" for Boulder-White Cloud and Senator Crapo's name and address.
Please be sure to include your address on your letter so they know you are a constituent.
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date
your address
Congressman Mike Simpson
U.S. House of Representatives
C/O Laurel P. Hall Resource Director
490 Memorial Dr. Ste. 103
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Dear Congressman Simpson,
I am writing you in regards to the Boulder-White Cloud Wilderness proposal. As an avid mountain biker I enjoy exploring the great state of Idaho, but I have heard about the Wilderness proposal and I am very concerned that it will overlap trails that are excellent rides and ultimately end our access to them. I request that you invite a representative from the mountain bike community to join other interest groups who are helping to shape the bill.
Chris Cook (SWIMBA) and Harley Parson (IMBA State Rep) could represent the mountain bike community in the Wilderness discussion and work towards a bill that represents concensus. Please bring these mountain bike representatives to the table and allow them to help you develop a bill that all mountain bikers can support, a bill that will help preserve these magnificent lands in the great State of Idaho.
Sincerely, |
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