I attended a panel discussion that featured a recent Outdoor Idaho production on the Boulder White Cloud Wilderness area. The Wilderness Society had worked for decades with partners locally and nationally to protect this pristine area. It ultimately took Congressman Simpson’s legislative leadership and collaborative work with every stakeholder to win the day. Simpson joined the effort with the thought that such an obvious opportunity would be well supported– after 15 years of unflagging effort by Congressman Mike Simpson, Rick Johnson of the Conservation League, and Cecil Andrus the President signed a wilderness bill on August 7th, 2015.
Andrus was propelled into the Governorship on his support for protecting more of our state’s special places. He worked with Senator Church on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and stopped a controversial mine that had already begun preliminary work at the base of Castle Peak in the late 60’s. The attention to preserving this 275,000 acres of snowy peaks and gorgeous lake filled terrain for posterity took decades. An impressive 50 year effort that earned the support of environmentalists, ranchers, and recreation groups, required adept political maneuvering and many compromises. I hope you will watch the Idaho Public Television presentation of Beyond the White Clouds at IdahoPTV/Passport. Thanks to all who worked to preserve this resource for our grandchildren and beyond.
Bruce Reichert is the award winning producer of Outdoor Idaho. An avid outdoor adventurer he grew up hiking the Sawtooths. His love for the White Clouds came later in life. “That geology…my God, what is that all about?! It’s one of the reasons I so appreciate the men and women who fought to keep Castle Peak inviolate back in the 1960’s. You can’t even see Castle Peak from any major road in the State.” The panel, discussed the last 15 years of effort that proved so frustrating before the final congressional approval that came under the threat to Antiquity Act authorization by then President Obama to declare the area a National Monument. Mike Simpson quoted Henry Clay, the Great Compromiser, as he reminded us that he always remains focused on what is best for our country and our citizens which requires listening and working with all groups. Andrus reminded us that compromise is not optional and with a gleam in his eye “unless you know you have the votes”. As the four term Democratic Governor of a State that is predominantly Republican-you must comprise and be a statesman. Rick Johnson related the story of a debate, which he won, with the representative from a large forest service company. Feeling a bit smug after the discussion he met the person in the parking lot–“Rick, I know you can make a point, I will be watching you to see if you can make a difference.” A great life lesson and example of the attitude and skill set that encourages seeking common ground and collaboration. The panel discussion was filmed by Public Television and will be available in the near future.
I skied Mount Baldy this week – it was too cloudy to see Castle peak but I think if you look North and West from the top you could see the White Clouds. It takes an effort to get there. On my second ski day as the rain came down at the lodge and we debated the wisdom of skiing, a woman who overheard our discussion said she was filled with “reckless optimism.” I loved the term and hope each of us can benefit from her life approach.
Take a hike this week end. Mike