Local group meets in opposition to national monument
New legislation that opposes national monuments in Fremont County has been introduced in the Idaho House. This comes after 93 percent of people who live there voted against national monument status in an advisory vote. Representative Paul Romrell from St. Anthony submitted the legislation.On Friday evening, people in Island Park discussed even more strategies to stop national monument status from happening in Fremont County.
“The key thing is to have a unified effort with the community. We have to realize the way things are set up that a stroke of a pen by the president can make this a national monument, so we must act now,” said Kenneth Watts, chairman of the Caldera Heritage Coalition.
The coalition is a group strongly opposed to national monument status. Watts said the group is aware of Congress’ power when it comes to the creation of national monuments.
“One of the strategies we will be working on is congressional legislation that would oppose a national monument that would require a change to the Antiquities Act. It would require congressional approval before a national monument could be made,” said Watts.
Other strategies discussed in Friday’s meeting include looking at state legislation, possible court action and coordinating efforts to manage the Island Park Caldera.
Meanwhile, the president of the Island Park Area Chamber of Commerce said she will continue to inform the community about the issue.
“We sent out invitations to all of our members to help include them in this so that everyone does have a voice. We want to hear what everyone thinks of it,” said Jackie Jensen.
Those who oppose a national monument designation also said it would create another layer of regulation. The area first gained potential status as a national monument near the end of President George W. Bush’s administration.
