BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A chairman of a legislative committee studying the pros and cons of the state taking control of federal land in Idaho has a simple message for the public and his colleagues: Be patient. Republican Sen. Chuck Winder of Boise vowed the Federal Lands Interim committee will take its time studying all the benefits and consequences of such a big idea.

Winder is the co-chairman of the interim panel that met for the first time Friday. The committee is charged with following up on a resolution approved by the 2013 Legislature demanding that the federal government cede the land to the state. Winder says the first few meetings will be educational. He also says the committee isn't expected to send a report and recommendation to the Legislature until 2015.

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