May 29, 1991
Thank y6u for writing to share your concerns about the
protection of the Aquarius Research Natural area in the
Clearwater National Forest.
The decision to take "no action" on building the proposed
Dworshak Access Road through the Aquarius area was made by
District Ranger Art Bourassa in April 1990. That decision was
appealed and upheld by Forest Supervisor Fred Trevey in September
1990 and, again, upheld in October 1990 by Regional Forester John
Hughes. After reviewing the economic analysis of road
development and the scientific data relating to Aquarius, as well
as the Forest Service decisions, I see no need to revisit them as
I am convinced that they were made only after careful
consideration and with full public participation.
The Forest Service just completed the establishment report
which changes the status of the Aquarius Research Natural Area
from "proposed" to "established." Although this measure does not
provide any additional protection for Aquarius, per se, it does
validate and chronicle the biological significance of the area.
The Aquarius Research Natural Area provides Idaho a unique
piece of West coast country with its low elevation, high
precipitation, temperate habitat, and freedom from disturbance.
Because of the area's size and biological importance, Aquarius
warrants significant consideration by all.
Again, thank you for your concern. I look forward to
hearing from you in the future.
With best wishes,
•
1-
Dear 2-:
Thank you for sharing with me your concern about preserving
ancient forests in the Pacific Northwest. I certainly believe it
is important to protect this natural legacy for future
generations, while making every effort to maintain a stable
Northwest economy.
Two bills have been introduced in the House to protect
ancient forests in the Pacific Northwest. The Ancient Forest
Protection Act of 1991, H.R. 842, would provide for research of
ancient forest ecosystems, allow for designation of Ancient
Forest Reserves, and provide for interim protection. The Ancient
Forest Act of 1991, H.R. 1590, would designate a 6.3 million acre
ancient forest reserve system as well as establish a program to
help displaced workers. Both bills are pending in the Interior
Subcommittee on Parks and Public Lands where I serve.
You can be assured that I will give every consideration to
these bills which are scheduled for action later this month. In
this effort, I very much appreciate knowing of your support.
With best wishes,
Sincerely,
Larry LaRocco
Member of Congress
•
•
•
Dear 2-:
Thank you for contacting me regarding 21-. As you may
recall, in May I joined with my colleague, Congressman Stallings,
to request funding from the House Interior Appropriations
Subcommittee for this project.
The Subcommittee's appropriations bill for Interior and
Related Agencies was amended and then passed by the full House of
Representatives on June 25. The next step is approval by the
Senate, which is expected before Congress recesses in August.
For your review, I have enclosed the relevant section of the
House report which accompanies the appropriations bill. The
report mentions only those projects where funding levels deviate
from the President's recommended budget.
Last year's budget agreement between Congress and the
President placed overall caps on federal spending and implemented
a pay-as-you-go system. This requires increased outlays for
domestic programs to be balanced by corresponding reductions in
other domestic programs, by increasing taxes, or by increasing
the deficit and the debt. Therefore, many worthy programs, not
only in the Interior Department, but also in other departments,
either have been reduced or not funded.
As a businessman, committed to fiscaq responsibility, I
recognize the need to control government spending. At the same
time, I will continue to work hard for Idaho's fair share of
federal funds. I thank you for your interest, and I will keep
you informed on progress·as the appropriations process moves
forward.
With best wishes,
•
•
~.
~\\\A'\fo.
• July 16, 1991
1-
Dear 2-:
Thank you for writing to share your concerns about the
protection of the Aquarius Research Natural area in the
Clearwater National Forest.
The decision to take "no action" on building the proposed
Dworshak Access Road through the Aquarius area was made by
District Ranger Art Bourassa in April 1990. That decision was
appealed and upheld by Forest Supervisor Fred Trevey in September
1990 and, again, upheld in October 1990 by Regional Forester John
Hughes. After reviewing the economic analysis of road
development and the scientific data relating to Aquarius, as well
as the Forest Service decisions, I see no need to revisit them as
I am convinced that they were made only after careful
consideration and with full public participation .
The Forest Service just completed the establishment report
which changes the status of the Aquarius Research Natural Area
from "proposed" to "established." Although this measure does not
provide any additional protection for Aquarius, per se, it does
validate and chronicle the biological significance of the area.
The Aquarius Research Natural Area provides Idaho a unique
piece of West coast country with its low elevation, high
precipitation, temperate habitat, and freedom from disturbance.
Because of the area's size and biological importance, Aquarius
warrants significant consideration by all.
Again, thank you for your concern. I look forward to
hearing from you in the future.
With best wishes,
LARRY LAROCCO
1ST DISTRICT, IDAHO
1117 LONGWORTH BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-'120 1
{202) 225-86 t 1
COMMITIEE ON INTERIOR
.OMMITIEE ON BANKING
DISTRICT OFFICES:
304 NO. 8TH STREET
BOISE. IDAHO 83702
(208) 343-4211
•
Dear 2-:
~o~gr.ess of tbe Wntteb ~tates
·~~use of 1\epresentatibes
•a~bington, )BQC 20515-1201 " ,
109 SO. KIMBALL AVENUE
CALDWELL IDAHO 83605
{208) 459-2362
• 621 MAIN STREET
LEWISTON. IDAHO 83501
(208) 746-6694
408 SHERMAN AVENUE
COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO 83814
(208)687-2110
Thank you for sharing your concerns about finding a solution
for managing old growth forests. in the Pacific Northwest. I
believe it is in the Northwest'S best interest to resolve this
contentious issue quickly.
To that end, in August of 1991 I co-sponsored legislation,
H.R. 3263, introduced by a bipartisan group of eight House
members from the Pacific Northwest. I supported this bill
because it represented a regional effort for a balanced solution
to management of old-growth forests and spotted owls.
All in all, seven bills were introduced to resolve the
ancient forest issue. At the time those bills were submitted,
administrative action was so far down the road it made sense to
act legislatively in an effort to lift the injunction on Forest
Service timber sales as well as to establish ancient forest
reserves.
Since thae time, members of Congress, as well as interest
groups, have been determined to win support for their particular
bill, but no measure has been able to gain a majority. Now, it
is unlikely there will be a legislative solution soon, but much
is expected to happen administratively early this year.
As you know, last May, U.S. District Judge William Dwyer
issued a decision to halt timber sales on 17 national forests.
In his decision Judge Dwyer stated, "The most recent violations
of the National Forest Management Act exemplify a deliberate and
systematic refusal by the Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife
Service to comply with the laws protecting wildlife." The Judge
also ordered the Forest Service to come up with a protection plan
for the spotted owl by March 2, 1992.
In July, the scientific Committee, appointed by Congress to
develop alternatives for managing spotted-owl forests, released
their report. The report provided valuable information, but the
level of timber harvest reduction required for protection of
spotted owl habitat alarmed those concerned about the economy of
the Northwest. When the report was presented, Dr. Jerry
Franklin, a renown~d old-growth specialist and member of the
Scientific Committee, stated, "Science has done what it can. The
process of democracy must go forward from'here."
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
•
•
•
In September of 1991, the director of the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) petitioned Secretary of Interior Manuel Lujan,
Jr. to exempt 44 BLM timber sales from the requirements of the
Endangered Species Act because of their potential economic
impact. The Secretary accepted the application and, in
consultation with other members of the Endangered Species
Committee (ESC), will hold a formal hearing and issue a report.
After receiving the secretary's report, the ESC, better known as
the "God Squad," should grant or deny the exemption by mid-March
of 1992. Although symbolically and politically important, the
ESC's decision would affect only 200 million board feet of BLM
timber -- a small portion of the whole ancient forest picture.
On another front, a team of agency officials, biologists,
and economists, convened under the Endangered Species Act to
develop a recovery plan for the northern spotted owl, anticipated
releasing their draft plan in December, but may be six weeks
behind schedule. The recovery plan will likely include a "mapbased"
reserve system for the owl in addition to other measures
such as management guidelines. Once released, the plan will be
reviewed by Secretary Lujan. The recovery plan, which has no
deadline, is a recommendation to the BLM and the Forest Service
and includes a set of goals and standards by which the progress
of the species recovery will be measured .
As a member of the House Interior Committee, where all
ancient forest measures have been referred, I will continue to
review all of these developments in shaping any ancient forest
legislation.
Again, I appreciate hearing from you. Your views will be
most helpful to me and to the members of the Interior Committee
as we continue working on a legislative solution to this critical
land management problem.
With best wishes,
•
•
Dear 2-:
Thank you for sharing with me your concern about preserving
ancient forests in the Pacific Northwest. I certainly believe it
is important to protect this natural legacy for future
generations, while making every effort to maintain a stable
Northwest economy.
Two bills have been introduced in the House to protect ,
ancient forests in the Pacific Northwest. The Ancient Forest
Protection Act of 1991, H.R. 842, would provide for research of
ancient forest ecosystems, allow for designation of Ancient
Forest Reserves, and provide for interim protection. The Ancient
Forest Act of 1991, H.R. 1590, would designate a 6.3 million acre
ancient forest reserve system as well as establish a program to
help displaced workers. Both bills are pending in the Interior
Subcommittee on Parks and Public Lands where I serve.
You can be assured that I will give every consideration to
these bills which are scheduled for action later this month. In
this effort, I very much appreciate knowing of your support.
With best wishes,
ceo
Congress
LARRY LAROCCO
1ST DISTRICT, IDAHO
COMMITIEE ON INTERIOR
1117 LONGWORTH BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-1201
(202) 225-6611
•• OMMITTEE ON BANKING
~ongress of tbt Wnittb ~tates
J,Jou~e of 1\epre~entattbe~
Rla~bington, ll€ 20515-1201
DISTRICT OFFICES:
304 NO. 8TH STREET
BOISE, IDAHO 83702
(208) 343-4211
109 SO. KIMBALL AVENUE
CALDWELL, IDAHO 83605
(208) 459-2362
•
•
1-
Dear 2-:
621 MAIN STREET
LEWISTON, IDAHO 83501
(208) 746-6694
408 SHERMAN AVENUE
COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO 83814
(208) 667-2110
Thank you for sharing your concerns about finding a solution
to protect the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest. I
believe it is in the Northwest's best interest to resolve this
contentious issue quickly.
To that end, in August I co-sponsored legislation, H.R.
3263, introduced by a bipartisan group of eight House members
from the Pacific Northwest. I supported this bill because it
represented a regional effort for a balanced solution to the
ancient forest issue.
All in all, seven bills were introduced to resolve the
ancient forest issue. At the time those bills were submitted,
administrative action was so far down the road it made sense to
act legislatively in an effort to establish ancient forest
reserves as well as to lift the injunction on Forest Service
timber sales.
Since that time, members of 'co11gress., as well as interest
groups, have been determined to win support for their particular
bill, but no measure has,been able to gain a majority. Now, it
is unlikely there will b.e a legislative solution soon, but much
is expected to happen administratively early this year.
As you know, last May, U.S. District Judge .. William Dwyer
issued a decision to halt timbe~ sales on 17 national forests.
In his decision Judge Dwy~r stated, "The most recent violations
of the'National Forest Management Act exemplify a deliberate and
systematic refusal by th~ Forest service and Fisn and Wildlife
Service to comply with,tlre ),aws protecting wildli:t;e." The Judge
also ordered the Forest Seryice to come up with a protection plan
for the spotted owl by. March 2, 1992.
•
In July, the Scientific Committee, ap~ointed· by Congress to
develop alter-natives for managing the nation's anCient forests,
released their report. The report provided vaiuable information,
but ±he level of timber harvest reauction required to provide for
protection of ?POtted owl habitat alaFffied tho~e concerned about
the economy of the Northwest. When the report was presented, Dr.
Jerry Franklin, a renowned.old-growth specialist and member of
the scientific qommittee, stated, "Sciepce has done what it can. ~
The process of democracy must go forward from her~." ~ ~0
'-< Dl-o ,~1 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
In September of 1991, the director of the Bureau of Land
Management (BLM.) petitioned Secretary of Interior Manuel Lujan,
Jr. to exempt 44 BLM timber sales from the requirements of the
Endangered Species Act because of their potential economic
impact. The Secretary accepted the application and, in
consultation with other members of the Endangered Species
Committee (ESC), will hold a formal hearing and issue a report.
After receiving the Secretary's report, the ESC, better known as
the "God Squad," should grant or deny the exemption by mid-March
of this year. Although symbolically and politically important,
the ESC's decision would affect only 200 million board feet of
BLM timber -- a small portion of the whole ancient forest
picture.
On another front, a team of agency officials, biologists,
and economists, convened under the Endangered Species Act to
develop a recovery plan for the northern spotted owl, anticipated
releasing their draft plan in December of 1991, but may be six
weeks behind schedule. The recovery plan will likely include a
"map-based" reserve system for the owl in addition to other
measures such as management restrictions. Once released, the
plan will be reviewed by Secretary Lujan. The recovery plan,
which has no deadline, is a recommendation to the BLM and the
Forest Service and includes a set of goals and standards by which
the progress of the species recovery will be measured.
As a member of the House Interior Committee, where all
ancient forest measures have been referred, I will continue to
review all of these developments in shaping any ancient forest
legislation.
Again, I appreciate hearing from you. Your views will be
most helpful to me and to the members of the Interior Committee
as we continue working on a legislative solution to this critical
land management problem.
With best wishes,
ceo
Congress
LARRY LAROCCO
1ST DISTRICT, IDAHO
1 117 LONGWORTH BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-1201
(202) 225-6611
COMMITIEE ON INTERIOR
DISTRICT OFFICES:
304 NO. 8TH STREET
BOISE, IDAHO 83702
.OMMITIEE ON BANKING (208) 343-4211
109 SO. KIMBALL AVENUE
CALDWELL, IDAHO 83605
(208) 459-2362
•
•
1-
Dear 2-:
I!Congrtss of tbt Wnittb ~tatts
.,ouse of l\epresentatibes
Rlasbington, :zD(( 20515-1201
621 MAIN STREET
LEWISTON, IDAHO 83501
(208) 746-6694
408 SHERMAN AVENUE
COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO 838 t 4
(208) 667-2110
I thought you would be interested in the enclosed article
pr~nted in the Lewiston Morning Tribune, october 18, 1991,
regarding the House-Senate Conference Committee establishing
timber sale levels.
As indicated, the Committee approved the Forest Service
spending bill, but resisted action on setting mandatory harvest
ievels.
With best wishes,
'
/
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
ceo
Congress
~\)~
~~
LARRY LAROCCO
1ST DISTRICT, IDAHO
1117 LONGWORTH BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-1201
(202) 225-6611
COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR
DISTRICT OFFICES:
304 NO. 8TH STREET
BOISE, IDAHO 83702
.OMMITTEE ON BANKING (208) 343-4211
109 SO, KIMBALL AVENUE
CALDWELL, IDAHO 83605
(208) 459-2362
•
•
Dear 2-:
(:ongrtss of tbt Wnittb ~tatts
~ou~e of !\epre~entatibes
ala.SbingtoJ1, ~~ 20515-1201
62 1 MAIN STREET
LEWISTON, IDAHO 83501
(208)746-6694
408 SHERMAN AVENUE
COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO 83814
(208) 667-2 t 10
I thought you wou~d b~ interested in the enclosed letter
addressed to Congressman Sidney Yates, ~hairman of the Subcommitte
on Interior Appropriations, regar,ding timner sale levels on
national forests.
As indicated, I have cosigned the letter asking the conference
committee to retain the House language during deliberations on this
legislation.
With best wishes,
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
ceo
Congress
LARRY LAROCCO
1ST DISTRICT, IDAHO
1117 LONGWORTH BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-1201
1202) 225-e611
•
COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR
COMMITTEE ON BANKING
:
DISTRICT OFFICES:
304 NO. BTH STREET
BOISE, IDAHO 83702
{208) 343-4211
•
•
1-
Dear 2-:
Qtongress of tbe Wnittb ~tates
~ou~r of l\rprr~rntatibts
l.la~bington, 111~ 20515-1201
109 SO. KIMBALL AVENUE
CALDWELL. IDAHO 83605
{208) 459-2382
•· 621 MAIN STREET
LEWISTON, IDAHO 83501
(208) 746-6694
408 SHERMAN AVENUE
COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO 83814
(208)667-2110
Thank you for sharing your concerns about finding a solution
for managing old growth forests in the Pacific Northwest. I
believe it is in the Northwest's best interest to resolve this
contentious issue quickly.
To that end, in August of 1991 I co-sponsored legislation,
H.R. 3263, introduced by a bipartisan group of eight House
members from the Pacific Northwest. I supported this bill
because it represented a regional effort for a balanced solution
to management o,f old-growth forests and spotted owls.
All in all, seven bills were introduced to resolve the
ancient forest issue. At the time those bills were submitted,
administrative action was so far down the road it made sense to
act legislatively in an effort to lift the injunction on Forest
Service timber sales as well as to establish ancient forest
reserves.
Since that time, members of Congress, as well as interest
groups, have been determined to win support for their particular
~ill, but no measure has been able to gain a majority. Now, it
is unlikely there will be a legislative solution soon, but much
is expected to happen administratively early this year.
As you know, last May, u.s. District Judge William Dwyer
issued a decision to halt timber sales on 17 national forests.
In his decision Judge Dwyer stated, "The most recent violations
of the National Forest Management Act exemplify a deliberate and
systematic refusal by the Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife
Service to comply with the laws protecting wildlife." The Judge
also ordered the Forest Service to come up with a protection plan
for the spotted owl by March 2, 1992.
In July, the Scientific Committee, appointed by Congress to
develop alternatives for managing spotted-owl for~sts, released
their report. The report provided valuable information, but the
level of timber harvest reduction required for protection of
spotted owl habitat alarmed those concerned about the economy of
the Northwest. When the report was presented, Dr. Jerry
Franklin, a renowned old-growth specialist and member of the
Scientific Committee, stated, "Science has done what it can. The
process of democracy must go forward from here."
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
l(T!M6Gt<
'ltf(
