News Release

Washington, DC – U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton leaves her post as Interior Secretary with a strong track record of cooperation and collaboration with state and local leaders on a number of wildlife management issues and in other areas. Crapo issued the following statement about Norton:

“Secretary Norton’s legacy will be that of true partnership with those at the state and local levels who desired input in issues from land use to wildlife management,” Crapo said. “When Idahoans asked Secretary Norton to work with us on delisting wolves, she listened and, more importantly, she acted. When Idahoans said we wanted local control and a chance to work on local habitat for the sage grouse that might avoid an endangered listing, she listened and offered her support. She came to Idaho to make sure any discussions regarding roadless proposals were vetted from governors and others at the state level.

“Secretary Norton did what she said she would—listen to local input and respond with action. Her collaborative approach is a good example for her successor to follow and I appreciate her approach as Secretary, her actions and her service.”