Morse_dh3.doc

June 23, 2000

Ed Morse
Morse & Company
2101 Lakewood Drive, Suite 225
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

Re: Camas Prairie Abandonment

Dear Ed,

Let me begin for thanking you for the fine job you did Monday afternoon at the Commission’s public hearing in Craigmont. As soon as I receive the transcript concerning your testimony and cross-examination, I will forward it to you.

I have also enclosed for your review a document that I received from the Nez Perce Tribe regarding the question of reversionary interest of that right-of-way (ROW) property located on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. Of particular note is the statement contained on the first page in paragraph 4 that “The ROW grant was for an easement for railroad purposes.” I am wondering if the author really intended to use the word “easement” instead of the word “grant.” In any event, I have asked the Tribal Counsel as well as the U.S. Department of Interior to furnish me with those records identified in the “schedule of property” legends on each track evaluation map that are records of the Secretary of the Interior. I will keep you posted.

Sincerely yours,

Donald L. Howell, II
Deputy Attorney General

Enclosures

Vld/L:Morse_dh3