Idaho’s congressional delegation has crafted a bill that authorizes federal protection for the Owyhee Canyonlands and more than 300 miles of rivers in the state.
Following the November election, Congress is expected to vote on a massive public lands bill that includes the protections for some of Idaho’s prized places and waterways.
Among other things, the omnibus bill includes the Owyhee Canyonlands bill put together by Idaho Republican Senator Mike Crapo which would establish a new 807-square-mile wilderness area in southwest Idaho.
The bill also includes protections under the federal Wild and Scenic designation for portions of the Owyhee and Bruneau Rivers, Big Jacks Creek and their tributaries.
The larger bill would add more than 500 miles of protection to rivers in Oregon, Arizona, Wyoming and Massachusetts. (AP)