Rob Bishop

National forests are an important and necessary source of economic activity and recreation for local communities and the public.

Thank you, Commissioner.

We must be able to ensure that policies are put into place so that we can wisely and prudently balance the many competing and worthy uses of these lands and resources.

We desperately need that again today.

There is a lack of comfort level in what we are talking about here.

It is not a legal term somewhere?

should your subcommittee see fit to hold a field hearing on the TMP and water permit issues in Elko, Nevada, it would be greatly appreciated by the citizens there.

You have the authority to manage for habitat but not for specific species.

I truly wish the Forest Service would go back and tighten down the rules so it says indeed what you intend it to say because it doesn't right now, and there is not a great deal of trust, as you have heard from other Members here, with…

We respectfully request Congress's assistance in reversing this new Forest Service policy.

We would also like to thank Representative Tipton from Colorado for his leadership on the issue.

Access is a significant issue on public lands for the public as well as for those who have private property or private concerns in which they need that particular access.

This resource needs to be managed for the benefit of all the users.

What about cultural sustenance? Is that a legal term somewhere?

The withdrawal decision should be based on sound science and factual findings, not on the baseless claims of environmental groups.

I want to publicly acknowledge that, and I appreciate those accommodations.

The withdrawal does not change the reality on the ground that there are 3,000 existing claims.

However, it is totally irresponsible to move forward with the proposed withdrawal as it lacks sufficient scientific justification.

The Secretary will make a final decision when the time comes. This bill is totally inappropriate.

I therefore urge your favorable consideration of H.R. 1980.

I fully agree that the Grand Canyon deserves to be protected for the enjoyment of future generations.

But I have to say this. And you notice I was maybe saying something with sarcasm, which I am not known to do.

I said that there were some frustrations we felt in moving forward with wildlands, which was the topic at that point, because we did not trust what would happen in the future.

This action results in a total waste of taxpayer dollars and is an outright slap in the face to those hard working employees.

Making Chimney Rock a national monument would create a win-win situation for this remarkable historic, cultural area...