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Because of this extensive backlog of restoration work on 

 Idaho's forests, my legislation would provide not just an 

 economic stimulus package, but a long-term economic stability 

 initiative. And the jobs created would not be just temporary 

 jobs, but real jobs to support families. The skilled workers 

 needed to implement restoration activities include sawyers, heavy 

 equipment operators, woods workers, carpenters, engineers, and 

 farm equipment operations, as well as forest management 

 professionals . 



In response to the concern expressed at my town meetings, I 

 directed the Secretary to review the water quality standards for 

 the Panhandle National Forest. The review would determine if the 

 standards are sufficient to protect fisheries, watersheds, and 

 water quality and if the standards are being properly 

 implemented. 



Mr. Chairman, following introduction of H.R. 1570, I held 

 two field hearings in Lewiston and Boise. Subsequently, my staff 

 and I have had innumerable discussions with State and local 

 officials, interest group representatives, and concerned 

 Idahoans. This time, the discussions were about a concrete 

 legislative proposal which I had laid on the table. I heard 

 ideas from literally thousands of Idahoans from all backgrounds 

 who, if nothing else, shared a common interest in resolving the 

 issue of Idaho's roadless areas. 



As a result, on January 25th of this year, I introduced a 

 revised bill, H.R. 3732, to reflect what I saw as an emerging 

 consensus. That is the bill which is before us today. 



Mr. Chairman, H.R. 3732 reflects my agreement with Governor 

 Andrus on Meadow Creek and on protection of Idaho's water. My 

 revised bill takes a step beyond the conventional "no buffer 

 zone" language and provides a process whereby citizens can have 

 concerns about private property rights addressed. And, H.R. 3732 

 makes revisions in each of the five national forests in the First 

 District. I would like to quickly outline some of the primary 

 changes . 



On Water Rights: 

 Upon introduction of my original bill, I promised I would 

 address the issue of water rights during the legislative process. 

 With the advice and agreement of Governor Andrus, the language I 

 have included would prohibit the assertion of any claim, based on 

 this Act or any other Act, for any U.S. water right for areas 

 designated as wilderness or special management area in my bill. 

 It would also prohibit the use of eminent domain for acquiring 

 either water or water rights within areas designated in my bill. 



