Boulder White Cloud Mountains Wilderness Bill

By Sandra Mitchell, Public Lands Director, Idaho State Snowmobile Association

For over 30 years, mechanized and motorized uses have been responsibly riding the Boulder White Cloud Mountains. The proof that their use has not negatively impacted the resources is that this area still qualifies for wilderness. It is still described as ‘pristine’ a place where one can escape “the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world to find yourself.”

These mountains are a classic example of how wild, beautiful, and undeveloped backcountry can be shared for a mix of recreation opportunities, motorized and non-motorized. Some folks prefer to hike, others to bike, but regardless of how you travel, you will never forget the experience. The management under current laws is working well, for the people, for the land and for the resources it supports. To change this winning formula, simply to chalk up a few more wilderness acres would be both risky and tragic. The main effect of a wilderness designation for these mountains would be a reduction of access and recreation. The phrase “Wilderness Protection” used by wilderness advocates portrays lands as threatened with development and destruction. These mountains are not threatened to put it more bluntly, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’