Boulder-White Cloud National Monument Updates
Tuesday, March 4th marked another successful meeting on the proposed Boulder-White Cloud National Monument. 41 people from Stanley, Challis, Mackay and Ketchum came to the Stanley Community Center to hear about any updates regarding the issue. Sawtooth Society Executive Director Gary O’Malley started the evening with background information about the process of establishing a National Monument. The primary goal of his presentation, however, was to bring new developments to light.
After two trips to Washington DC where O’Malley and Sawtooth Society board member Hans Carstensen met with representatives of the Council on Environmental Quality and the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture to discuss the potential monument, O’Malley brought his insights to the meeting on Tuesday. O’Malley’s conclusion was that the Administration is currently committed to holding public hearings in Custer and Blaine County should they decide to advance the issue. At this time the primary proponents of the issue continue to have outreach to potentially affected user groups and hold forums describing their objectives in various locations.
O’Malley emphasized that Washington D.C. is listening keenly to various perspectives, so it is essential to speak up. He referred to the issue as “a war of attrition.” With likely no short-term resolution, proponents and opponents alike may begin to lose interest in the topic. O’Malley urged everyone in the room to remain active by continuing to attend public meetings and writing letters to the White House, the Departments and to the press to share their views, regardless of their position. These letters are being read and considered by those making the final decision. Key addresses are below:
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
The Honorable Tom Vilsack
Secretary of Agriculture
1400 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20250
Dear Mr. Secretary:
The Honorable Sally Jewell
Secretary of Interior
1849 C Steet, N.W.
Washington, DC 20240
Dear Madam Secretary:
