Take Action Now!
On January 6, 2009 Congressman Walter C. “Walt” Minnick officially took office for the 1st District of Idaho. The 1st district stretches from the Owhyee Canyonlands to the lakes of Boundary County. A self proclaimed “avid outdoorsman with a deep affection for Idaho’s backcountry”, Congressmen Minnick has the opportunity to advance a number of wildlands issues in our district. On the top of the list is the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (HR 980), a visionary piece of legislation that would protect Idaho’s spectacular roadless country. If you want to see Idaho’s wildlands protected for generations to come, now is the time to contact Congressman Minnick.
The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA) is a piece of legislation that you have a major stake in. The bill will forever, in perpetuity, protect your pristine Idaho back-country from reckless development and the onslaught of the motorized recreation industry. NREPA would ensure the protection of your favorite trout streams, preserve millions of acres of old-growth forests, and sustain the wildlife you hold so dear to your heart. These places need to be spoken for and Congressman Minnick is eager to hear your stories, your experiences, and your vision for the vast Idaho backcountry! This is an excellent opportunity to tell your elected official you have “a deep affection for Idaho’s backcountry” too.
The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act is a management option for not only Idaho backcountry, but the entire roadless northern Rocky Mountain bioregion. These unspoiled roadless areas would be designated Wilderness under NREPA, ensuring protection for a place that still contains all of the species present at the time of the Lewis & Clark expedition over two-hundred years ago. This includes free ranging populations of bison, moose, elk, wolves, cougars and big horn sheep. Today’s leading conservation biologists consider the northern Rockies bioregion as the most intact wildland ecosystem in the entire country. This is something we need to embrace, be proud of, and work to protect. The time for us to act is now!
The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act would protect countless roadless areas dear to our heart. A few are right here in the Big Wild: Weitas Creek, Kelly Creek, and Meadow Creek. These three wildland jewels comprise close to three-quarters of a million acres, and provide critical habitat for both endangered wildlife and aquatic species. Just as importantly these three wildlands are your heritage; places that make Idaho the quintessential destination for backpacking, fly-fishing, and hunting. It is because of places like Cove-Mallard, the Selway-Bitterroot additions, and Grandmother Mountain that we are proud to call Idaho home.
If you feel inspired, and wish to speak a word for wildness please write to Congressmen Walt Minnick and tell him you support the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act, HR 980. Reach into your heart, find some words, and tell him a favorite story or experience of yours in Idaho’s roadless backcountry. Most importantly, tell Congressmen Minnick why these places are important to you and your family. It is imperative that our state’s new leadership hear from the people he represents; citizens that chose him to do what’s right for Idaho. The future is on our hands.
Congressmen Walter C. Minnick
1517 Longworth HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
Phone (202) 225-6611
If you wish to email him go here: Congressman Minnick's website
To find out more about the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act including current status and maps go to:
www.wildrockiesalliance.org or www.friendsoftheclearwater.org