Supporting sportsmen

April 21, 2012

By Raul Labrador
US Congressman

We all have wonderful memories of recreation with family and friends in any of Idaho’s beautiful wildlife areas. Whether it’s boating in McCall or hunting in Clearwater County, Idaho has so much to offer its citizens and visitors outdoors.

That’s why on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, I voted in favor of H.R. 4089, or the “Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012.” This bipartisan legislation passed overwhelmingly by a vote 274 to 176, and it enjoyed the support of dozens of our Democratic colleagues.

H.R. 4089 is comprised of four previously-introduced bills: H.R. 2834, H.R. 3440, H.R. 991 and H.R. 1558, all of which expand hunting, shooting and recreational opportunities on federal lands. Specifically, the legislation limits the ability of the federal government--- especially unelected bureaucrats in the U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency and Bureau of Land Management--- to impose excessive regulations on America’s federal lands.

According to the University of Idaho, more than 64 percent of land in the Gem State is currently owned by the federal government. Of all 50 states, Idaho has the largest portion of its land—almost 39 percent--- in the National Forest System of lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service.

With nearly two-thirds of Idaho’s land owned by the federal government, Idahoans must be constantly mindful of the restrictions on recreation imposed by regulatory agencies. One of our most beloved pastimes and most important industries in Idaho is recreation--- whether that’s hunting, fishing or marksmanship. This legislation, if enacted into law, would not only improve our local economy, but it would also provide additional recreational opportunities for Idaho families and visitors to enjoy.

Recreation is an important thread woven many years ago into Idaho’s cultural fabric. I am proud to represent you in Congress, and I will continue to fight to make our federal lands accessible for responsible recreation use by all Idahoans.