As an avid fisherman who would love to see the Snake River and its tributaries stay just the way they are, I appreciate the Star-Tribune's support for the Snake Headwaters Legacy Act, introduced by the late Sen. Craig Thomas earlier this year.

To say I was disappointed to read that U.S. Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho is standing in the way of the bill getting passed is a major understatement.

The Snake Headwaters Legacy Act enjoys strong support from local citizens, elected officials, anglers and hunters, conservationists and, perhaps most importantly, businesses who know that a wild and scenic designation for the Snake River would pump millions of dollars into Wyoming's tourism economy.

Why should Idaho get to reap the economic benefits of having nearly 600 miles of wild and scenic rivers, but Wyoming should be content with only 20 miles on the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone? Wyoming's rivers are every bit as worthy of this recognition as Idaho's.

Sen. Craig's assertion that the Snake Headwaters Legacy Act would harm water rights held by eastern Idaho farmers is a red herring. He should honor the wishes of Wyoming residents and pay tribute to Sen. Thomas by letting this important piece of legislation pass.

PHIL WASHBURN, Pinedale