Idaho wilderness study report, Volume 2

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Abstract:

The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) mandated the Secretary of Interior to report to the President on the wilderness suitability of lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) by October 21, 1991. This report is the result of comprehensive study of public lands in Idaho by the Bureau of Land Management regarding the suitability of these lands for wilderness designation. The wilderness review process began with an inventory of all 11.9 million acres of public lands in Idaho. That review identified approximately 1.8 million acres in 67 study areas and resulted in the preparation of 14 Wilderness Environmental Impact Statements. Thousands of public comments were evaluated. Congress required completion of mineral evaluation by the U.S Geological Survey and the Bureau of Mines on all areas recommended for wilderness. Twenty-seven reports were prepared. Two Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs), South Fork Owyhee River and Owyhee Canyon, included public lands in Idaho and Nevada. The Owyhee River Canyon WSA includes lands in Idaho and Oregon. While the recommendation and rationale for these WSAs are included in this report, only the acreage in Idaho is included in the Record of Decision. The remaining acreage will be included in the Nevada and Oregon Records of Decision. The Oregon State Office studied the Lookout Butte WSA which is partially located in Idaho. The analysis for the entire WSA is included in this report, but only the Idaho acreage is included in the Record of Decision. The recommendation is for Congress to designate 972,239 acres as wilderness and release 825,217 acres for other multiple uses. This recommendation would establish 27 new units of the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) and expand Idaho wilderness to include wider variety of landforms, ecosystems, and other natural features. These recommendations will improve the geographic distribution of wilderness areas and complement existing federal wilderness. At the same time, this recommendation will release all or part of 57 areas having potential for motorized recreation, utility corridors, mineral development and other public uses. The lands not recommended for wilderness also generally have lower quality wilderness values which would not enhance the NWPS. Management of non-wilderness areas will be consistent with multiple use objectives as prescribed in land-use plans. Many reviewers commented on the 14 Wilderness Environmental Impact Statements prepared in Idaho. Comments were received from national and state environmental organizations, state and local governments, Indian Tribes, industry groups, sportsmen, ranchers and host of other interested parties. It is not surprising, however, that concerned groups and individuals are sharply divided over how much wilderness is needed in Idaho, which areas are appropriate for designation, and if wilderness is indeed the proper means to protect natural values or open space. The rationale for the recommendations and specific discussion of wilderness values are found in each area's site-specific analysis.

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Reference Code: U91BLM04IDUS

Full Citation: U.S. Bureau of Land Management. 1991. Idaho wilderness study report. Volume 2. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Washington, DC. 228 pp.

Location:

URL: http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/blm_special_areas/wilderness_study_area...