A new report suggests 18 backcountry areas that are recommended to Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar for congressional protection.

At this point it’s only a preliminary list that will be used to collection local support for the foundation of a bipartisan public lands bill that they hope to pass through Congress.

The list was compiled by Deputy Secretary David J. Hayes and BLM director Bob Abbey based on input from congress, state and city officials and interested parties.

"The backcountry areas we identify in this report are by no means the only public lands that may deserve protection by Congress, but this preliminary list of possibilities shows that there is a compelling case for bipartisan legislative action to conserve lands for recreation, protection, and enjoyment," said deputy secretary David J. Hayes.

Locations from Washington, Idaho and Montana made the list. They’re not exactly localized near you, but if you find yourself traveling for vacation, check them out.

Gov. Otter is ordering flags at state buildings and facilities to fly at half-staff on Friday to honor Idaho State Rep. Pat Takasugi, 62, who passed away earlier this week. Flags will be flown at half-staff from dawn to dusk.

The Idaho Stateman reports the representative died on Sunday night in Boise after battling appendix cancer for the past three years.

Funeral services will be Caldwell, Idaho on Thursday November 10th with a rosary and memorial at 7 p.m. 

A 33-year-old woman pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony Tuesday at U.S. District Court in Coeur d'Alene.

Twyla Basil said, in a plea agreement, that she acted as a lookout for people who went into a home and stole guns.

The case was investigated by the FBI because the crime occurred on tribal land and both Basil and the victim are part of the Kootenai Tribe.

The charge carries a maximum punishment of a $250,000 fine and up to three years in prison.  Basil could also face one year of supervised release after any jail time.

Basil's sentencing is scheduled for January 31st at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.