NEWS
For Immediate Release
May 26, 2006 Contact: Serena Howarth
(208) 667-4641

Intermountain Forest Association applauds Kempthorne approval

Coeur d'Alene Intermountain Forest Association today applauded the confirmation of Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne as the next United States Secretary of Interior. Kempthorne, a former Idaho senator, was confirmed on a voice vote, and is expected to be sworn in immediately.

"We are very happy that Secretary Kempthorne has been confirmed," said Intermountain Forest Association president Jim Riley. "We are glad that his formidable collaborative skills will bring about a new era of leadership and innovation to the Department of Interior."

Riley continued: "We have great confidence in Secretary Kempthorne's ability to resolve natural resource issues. He has always worked hard to find solutions to complex problems, it has been the hallmark of his tenure in Idaho. He is an excellent leader and will make an exceptional Secretary of Interior."

As the 49th person to hold the title of Interior Secretary, Kempthorne will be responsible for the administration and maintenance of 20 percent of the nation's public lands, including wildlife refuges, national parks, grazing leases, and other federal lands.