Reader's Opinion - The Idaho Statesman - Idaho Farm Bureau Federation Opposes Nez Perce Water Agreement

"After a strenuous review process, Idaho Farm Bureau Federation delegates voted on Dec. 2 to oppose the Nez Perce Water Agreement. After putting forth the effort to understand what this complex agreement does and doesn't do, we believe that although there are many positives, the compromise of private property rights outweighs the potential benefits.

The attorneys and others who negotiated the Mediator's Term Sheet did an adequate job in looking out for irrigation interests and finding creative ways to lessen endangered species concerns on certain species. However, the tradeoff comes in a compromise to private property rights that Farm Bureau members cannot support.

Not long after the agreement was released for public consumption, North Idaho landowners began raising serious concerns about private property rights � a fundamental Farm Bureau belief. Idaho Farm Bureau recognizes timber as an agricultural commodity and supports the Idaho Forest Practices Act. We oppose new regulations that go above and beyond IFPA. The Nez Perce agreement appears to supersede IFPA in that it reclassifies streams, extends buffer zones on either side of streams and restricts the amount of timber landowners can harvest on private land. The state has vigorously defended the current buffer zones, established by the IFPA as being sufficient to protect wildlife, soil, air and water.

In addition, the agreement requires these landowners to grant access to private land to state agencies for mapping and habitat monitoring activities. Further, the agreement calls into question how this land inside the buffer zones that is no longer available for timber harvest will be taxed. Will the landowner be expected to pay property taxes on land he can gain no income from?

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