If we can't own public lands, we should be able to use them
I support multiple land use of our public lands; recreation, grazing, logging, and mining. If we can't own them, we at least ought to be able to use them. Our public lands are a vast supply of natural resources and can be used effectively to stimulate
our economy.
I support select cutting of old growth and high density timber stands along with other scientifically proven effective ways to manage our forests. Our current "burn" policy needs to go up in flames, not our trees.
Raised elk for antler velvet and for hunter's trophies
Dr. Rammell spent his youth building a successful large-animal veterinary practice. Seeking a career change, Rammell then raised elk on baby bottles in a barn behind their house. He sold their immature, or "velvet," antlers to South Korea, where they are
used as an aphrodisiac, but the market dried up in 2001 amid a scare over chronic wasting disease--the elk-borne form of mad-cow disease. Rammell then started bringing out-of-state hunters to his 160-acre fenced plot near Yellowstone National Park to
shoot trophy elk.
Part of the herd escaped in the summer of 2006. Gov. Jim Risch issued an emergency order to shoot the animals, arguing it was necessary to protect Idaho's wild elk herds from genetic impurities and disease. 43 elk were killed.
Rammell has sued the state of Idaho and Risch over the elk slaying. Rammell claims the elk killing was intended to curry favor with anti-elk-ranching voters. Risch said he had "no choice" but to shoot the elk, given the risk to wild herds in three states
Source: T.W. Farnam, Wall Street Journal; Page A6
Jun 18, 2008
