BOISE - The Idaho Cattle Association has come out in support of U-S Senator Mike Crapo's proposal to designate new wilderness in southwestern Idaho's Owyhee canyonlands.

But association support for the Idaho Republican's plan could have little effect in Congress' lame-duck session.

Some environmental groups hope to get better wilderness protection in the new year, when Democrats take control of the Senate and House.

The Wilderness Society and the Idaho Conservation League have expressed support for Crapo's bill, as well as another from Idaho Republican Representative Mike Simpson that would create a new wilderness in central Idaho's Boulder and White Clouds mountains.

But since the November 7th elections shifted the balance of power on Capitol Hill, a coalition of 80 other environmental organizations have asked the two groups to withdraw that support.