George H.W. Bush: “Idaho Public Lands Wilderness Designation September 4, 1992 Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) I am pleased to…”

“Idaho Public Lands Wilderness Designation September 4, 1992 Dear Mr. Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:) I am pleased to submit for congressional consideration and passage the ``Idaho Public Lands Wilderness Act''. The Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), (43 U.S.C. 1701, et seq.), directs the Secretary of the Interior to review the wilderness potential of the public lands. The review of the areas identified in Idaho began immediately after the enactment of FLPMA and has now been completed. Approximately 1.8 million acres of public lands in 67 areas in Idaho met the minimum wilderness criteria and were designated as wilderness study areas (WSAs). These WSAs were studied and analyzed during the review process and the results documented in 14 environmental impact statements and three instant study area reports. Based on the studies and reviews of the WSAs, the Secretary of the Interior is recommending that all or part of 27 of the WSAs, totaling 972,239 acres of public lands, be designated as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. I concur with the Secretary of the Interior's recommendations and am pleased to recommend designation of the 27 areas (totaling 972,239 acres) identified in the enclosed draft legislation as additions to the National Wilderness Preservation System. The proposed additions represent the diversity of wilderness values in the State of Idaho.…”