**Statement of Senator Mike Crapo**

**On the**

**Owyhee Initiative Implementation Act of 2006**

**Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources**

**Public Lands and Forests Subcommittee Hearing on Pending Legislation**

**September 27, 2006**

**Mr. CRAPO:**

Good Morning, Chairman Craig, Ranking Member Bingaman, and Members of
the Subcommittee. I'd also like to recognize my colleague from Idaho,
Representative Mike Simpson, as well as Representatives Walden and
Blumenauer, who are here today to testify on behalf of their
legislation. 

Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank you and members of the Energy
Committee for giving me the opportunity to speak to you today on behalf
of legislation I introduced earlier this year, the Owyhee Initiative
Implementation Act of 2006. This comprehensive land management bill is
the result of a five-year collaborative effort between a remarkably
diverse group of stakeholders---the Tribe, local, state, and federal
governments, ranchers, hunters, outfitters, motorized recreational
users, and conservationists---- to resolve decades of heated land-use
conflict in the Owyhee Canyonlands in the southwesternmost part of my
home state of Idaho. The Owyhee Initiative is a groundbreaking proposal
that seeks lasting protection for significant ecological areas in Owyhee
County while ensuring economic viability for the local community.

Owyhee County contains some of the most unique and beautiful canyonlands
in the world and offers large areas in which all of us can enjoy the
grandeur. Many people wonder about the origin of the name 'Owyhee.'
Interestingly, 'Owyhee' was an early spelling for Senator Akaka's home
state of Hawaii. The initial \"O\" in the name is a reflection of the
fact that in Hawaiian, the name of the island is expressed by saying ʻO
Hawaiʻi, which means \"\[This\] is Hawaii.\" The Owyhee Canyonlands were
so named for a group of native Hawaiian fur-trappers of the Hudson's Bay
Company who disappeared there during an expedition in the area in 1826.
The river and surrounding area was named in their honor. Very
significantly, this history is brief compared to the that of the
Shoshone-Paiute Tribes who have worked with us from the beginning to
develop the Owyhee Initiative and support its passage. The
Shoshone-Paiutes believe this to be a major step forward as we protect
and honor their homeland.

This picture of the Confluence of the Owyhee River and Battle Creek
(point to poster), establishes for everyone the unique character of this
place. 73% of Owyhee County's land base is owned by the United States
and while traditionally ranching country, has long been prized by
recreationists, hunters & anglers and motorized users alike. The county
is located within an hour's drive of one of the fastest-growing
metropolitan areas in the nation: Boise, Idaho.

This combination of attributes is having an explosive effect on property
value, community expansion & development and ever-increasing demands on
public land. Given this confluence of circumstances and events, Owyhee
County has been at the core of decades of heated political and
regulatory battles. The conflict over land management is both inevitable
and understandable. The question is: how do we manage for this diversity
and do so in a way that protects and restores the quality of that
fragile environment?

In this context, the core that was to become the Owyhee Working Group
said "enough is enough" and decided to focus efforts on solving these
problems rather than wasting resources on an endless fight. In 2001, I
was asked to join the effort. I told them if they could form a
comprehensive base of interests who would agree to collaborate in a
process committed to problem-solving, I would dedicate myself to working
with them and if they were successful, would introduce resulting
legislation. They did and here we are today.

This unique group of people worked face-to-face and together created new
ideas. For me, one of the most gratifying and emotional outcomes has
been to see this group transform itself from polarized camps into an
extraordinary force that has become known for its intense effort,
comity, trust and willingness to work toward a solution.

They operated on a true consensus basis, only making decisions when
there was no voiced objection to a proposal. They spent hundreds of
hours modifying proposals and developing solutions. They have driven
thousands of miles inspecting roads and trails, listening to and
soliciting ideas from people from all walks of life who have in common
deep roots and deep interest in the Owyhee Canyonlands. They sought to
ensure that they had a thorough understanding of the issues and could
take proper advantage of the insights and experience of all these
people.

This is very difficult work for everyone and I want to acknowledge the
effort of my friend and colleague from Idaho, Representative Mike
Simpson. I support his work and his legislation.

The Owyhee Initiative represents the next generation of collaborative
conservation. It transforms protracted conflict and uncertainty into
resolution with bright prospects for the future. Ranchers can plan for
subsequent generations. Off-road vehicle users have access assured.
Wilderness is established. The Shoshone-Paiute Tribe knows its cultural
resources will be protected. The Air Force will train its pilots in
perpetuity. Local, state and federal government agencies will have
structure to assist their joint management of the region. The Owyhee
Initiative protects water rights, releases wilderness study areas and
protects traditional uses. And this will all happen within the context
of the preservation of environmental and ecological health. This is
indeed a revolutionary land management structure---and one that looks
ahead to the future.

This can't be called solely a ranching, wilderness, Air Force or Tribal
bill. It is comprehensive land management legislation. Each group
negotiated aggressively, and now remarkably, each supports the
objectives of those with whom they had previous conflict. That is the
most crucial element to consider as you hear further testimony today.

Certainly there is opposition to the Owyhee Initiative. Respectfully, I
assert that they are wrong. There are others who are uncertain or have
reservations. To them, I pledge to continue working to perfect this
legislation and assure its passage; I appreciate your willingness to
work rather than simply oppose. We prefer to move forward in an effort
that successfully manages conflict and land, rather than exploit
disagreements.

The status quo is unacceptable. The Owyhee Canyonlands and all its
inhabitants deserve to have their conflicts resolved in a meaningful and
timely fashion. The people of Idaho have agreed. The surge in support
since the introduction has been powerful.  I have received letters of
support from dozens of organizations and entities.  As with the Work
Group that forged this agreement, the advocates of the bill have proved
diverse and strong.

The Owyhee Canyonlands, all it's inhabitants and cultures are truly a
treasure of Idaho and the United States; I ask you to join me in
ensuring their future by passing this legislation.