Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Risch voted in support of S. 37, the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act, which passed out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee this morning.

“The Forest Jobs and Recreation Act will designate and provide land for forest management projects such as hazardous fuels reductions and provide timber materials for mills, creating jobs and all the good things that flow from job creation. It also designates some areas as wilderness.

“Although this law applies to Montana lands, it directly affects Idahoans. The original proposal closed the southern portion of Mt. Jefferson to snowmobiling. This area is accessed directly from Idaho and is enjoyed by Idahoans who snowmobile in that area. I have heard from many Idahoans protesting that closure.

“For years I have insisted that the southern portion of Mt. Jefferson must remain open to Idaho snowmobilers. Senator Mike Crapo joined me in this fight. After years of negotiations, common sense has prevailed. The southern portion of Mt. Jefferson will remain open for Idaho snowmobilers to enjoy. We are pleased with the result.”

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