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SANDPOINT, IDAHO
1. Idaho Senator Proposes New Wilderness Area for Scotchman Peaks
U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, an Idaho Republi- can, has introduced a bill that would pro- tect the state’s portion of the craggy, sce- nic Scotchman Peaks.
Risch’s proposed legislation would designate about 14,000 acres as a federal wilderness area, limiting development to preserve the land’s natural character and ecological function, The Spokesman-Re- view reported.
The proposed wilderness area includes the 7,009-foot Scotchman Peak, which is home to mountain goats, a popular hiking trail and a summit overlooking the Clark Fork River delta. The entire Scotchman Peaks region is about 88,000 acres and includes federal land in Mon- tana that would require separate legisla- tion for protection.
Risch said he plans to hold hearings on the legislation next year.
The proposal “would allow future gen- erations of Idahoans to enjoy Scotchman Peaks, while at the same time protecting the needs and rights of local commu- nities and tribes,” the senator said in a statement.
The Sandpoint-based nonpro t Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilder- ness was formed to generate support for the wilderness designation in 2005. It praised Risch for introducing the bill.
The Bonner County Board of Commis- sioners, the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce and Idaho Forest Group, which operates sawmills in North Idaho, also support the designation.
“Anyone who has hiked to the top of the peak understands the majesty of the area and the importance of preserving it,” said Cary Kelly, chairman of the Bon- ner County board.
BLACKFEET INDIAN RESERVATION 2. Daines, Tester Praise Passage of Blackfeet Water Compact
Among its nal actions before the 114th Congress closed session, the U.S. Senate followed the lead of Montana law- makers Steve Daines and Jon Tester and
passed the long-awaited Blackfeet Water Compact.
The water settlement was included in the Water Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation Act, a water resources agreement that also includes legislation to address the Flint water crisis, provide drought relief in California and across the West.
The U.S. Senate passed the bill on Dec. 10. President Obama is expected to sign it into law at the end of the month.
“Today is a historic day for the Black- feet Tribe, Montana farmers, ranchers and families,” Daines stated. “The Black- feet water compact will update decades- old infrastructure, strengthen irrigation for agriculture and protect habitat.”
Tester stated, “Today folks on both sides of the aisles were able to put politics aside and do what is right for the Black- feet Tribe. This Compact will help cre- ate jobs and strengthen infrastructure in northwest Montana. We have more work to do to secure the funding that goes along with this critical settlement, but I will continue to roll up my sleeves and build the support needed to do right by the Blackfeet Nation.”
The settlement will rehabilitate the Four Horns Dam and Blackfeet Irriga- tion Project and make other improve- ments on the Blackfeet Reservation. It also includes provisions that protect o -reservation farmers and ranchers that rely upon the water for irrigation purposes. It has a $420 million price tag. However, money for the settlement was not included in the bill and will have to be addressed separately.
Negotiations on the agreement began more than 30 years ago. It was approved by the Montana Legislature in 2009.
Montana U.S. Rep Ryan Zinke, a Republican from White sh, helped lead the compact’s push through the House of Representatives.
“The Blackfeet are warriors and they have given up so much during this long process,” Zinke stated. “Water is more than a drinking source to the Blackfeet, it’s their life source and we must respect and honor their culture and rights. I’m
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