IMBA-Idaho Position Statement:

The Boulder-White Cloud Mountains Wilderness Proposal

IMBA supports protection of the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains area from development. We want to work with conservationists and legislators to find the appropriate tolls for protection. We recognize that Wilderness is one of the tools that can be used. Other tools exist, such as the National Conservation Areas and Protection Area. We promote public discussion about what tools are appropriate for this place. The idea of carving corridors for bicycling trails through proposed Wilderness has much potential for resolving future disputes, provided that the parties are willing to negotiate. So long as there are outstanding proposals to close significant bicycling trails in the Boulder-White Clouds, IMBA will work within the political process to influence members of Congress and public to prevent losing access to trails currently open to bicycles.

Our goal was and remains: Protect both bicycling and the land. This is entirely possible. IMBA supports preservation of all of the lands at issue, some as Wilderness and some using other designation such as improved national conservation areas and protection areas. Thus far, the Wilderness movement has largely rejected such solutions. We prefer negotiated solutions and we endorse environmental conservation, but we will fight proposals that are based on the misguided idea that bicycling must be banned to protect the land.