Rathdrum grass seed farmer Wayne Meyer, a former state legislator, says he wasn't surprised by the state’s decision to end all field burning in Idaho – except on Indian reservations – due to a federal court ruling. "Three days after the ruling came out I listed 300 acres for sale – and I've already got two offers from developers," Meyer said. "It's not what I wanted to do, but I don't have any other choice." He added, "For 2007 we're fine, but for 2008 there won't be any grass seed on the Rathdrum Prairie."

Meanwhile Patti Gora, executive director of Safe Air For Everyone, a Sandpoint group formed by area physicians to oppose field burning on public health grounds, welcomed the state's decision. The group opposes field burning because of the impact of the smoke on area residents with respiratory problems. "When we look back on the history of this issue, there are lives that could have been saved," Gora said. "I'm glad that the governor's office is finally recognizing the importance of this decision and acting appropriately." Read the full story here in today’s Spokesman-Review.

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