U-S House candidate Kristi Noem is taking aim at a Democrat's proposal to designate certain lands in Western South Dakota as "wilderness" but this particular Democrat isn't her political opponent in the upcoming election.  Noem calls the proposal by Senator Tim Johnson a "federal land grab" that is a "solution in search of a problem."  The Republican was campaigning in Rapid City Wednesday evening.Johnson introduced legislation earlier this year that would add nearly 50-thousand acres of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland to the Wilderness Preservation System.  Noem says the wilderness designation would open the door to possibly reduce or eliminate grazing in that area.  She says the land is in pristine condition because of how the landowners have managed it for years.  Noem says, "So I would like to see that use continue the same as it has in the past, recognizing that if we change that designation, there will be less access for the public and it will be a lot more difficult for landowners to continue their operations and utilize their permits in the way they're used to."  Noem says even Senator Johnson has expressed no concerns about how the land has been used in the past, so there's no need for it to be labeled wilderness.  Johnson's Office says the legislation is a way to both protect the land and preserve its long-standing grazing uses.  His office also says it's not a "federal land grab," as Noem refers to it since the legislation deals exclusively with existing federal lands.

Julie Oberlander