BWCA Citizens Advisory Commitee Bill laid overSave

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BOB POTTER: The House Environment and Natural Resources Committee had scheduled two days of hearings on a Senate-passed bill that would set up a BWCA citizens advisory committee. Seven supporters of the bill were on the witness list, all from Ely. 37 people had signed up to speak against it. House author Dave Battaglia, from Two Harbors, briefly described the bill as an effort to reduce serious problems and conflicts in the area, accused opponents of being unwilling to compromise and then made this announcement.

DAVE BATTAGLIA: Mr. Chairman, at this time, I move that this bill be laid over for future consideration.

BOB POTTER: Battaglia then joined supporters in walking out of the hearing room. The action appeared to take committee members by surprise. And Norm Prall from Grand Rapids had this explanation.

NORM PRALL: Today, what you saw, what you heard was the voice of frustration when he told the bill. I think he recognizes the stacked deck that he has here.

SPEAKER 4: Could you explain to me what you mean by stacked deck?

NORM PRALL: Well, a stacked deck, when I see various organizations who are well-financed.

[CROWD JEERING]

BOB POTTER: That reference to the environmental groups opposed to the bill, who feared that the proposed citizens advisory committee, made up primarily from people in Northeastern Minnesota, would have undue influence on the management of the wilderness area. The legislation is dead this year, but chairman Willard Munger promised hearings will be held during the summer, in Ely and Saint Paul. This is Bob Potter.