New legislation seeks guaranteed protections for millions of acres of wild national forest lands

May 24, 2007

Ansel Adams Wilderness Area, CAPhoto: Blake Ansel Tupper/USFWS

Washington, D.C. -- Two important bills introduced today will guarantee protection for millions of acres of America's national forests. The bills, when enacted, will prohibit new road construction and reconstruction and provide critical forest protections.

"Today, Earthjustice applauds Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Warner (R-VA) and Representatives Jay Inslee (D-WA), Chris Shays (R-CT), George Miller (D-CA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN) for their leadership in protecting America's last wild forests," said Sarah Wilhoite, Legislative Representative for Earthjustice.

By introducing legislation to permanently protect roadless areas, these congressional champions will help put an end to the administration's efforts to repeal the Roadless Rule in favor of logging and other development interests. A bipartisan group of more than 150 senators and representatives has voiced support for protecting these wild forests by codifying the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. For years, the Roadless Rule has been under attack by the timber and development industries and the Bush administration. The proposed legislation will remove the hostile regulatory environment surrounding this vital rule, and make the protections it affords permanent.

The companion bills introduced today each provide protection for 58.5 million acres of pristine national forest lands. These lands ultimately provide drinking water to millions of Americans and contain some of the best remaining fish and wildlife habitat in the entire national forest system. Americans understand that these areas are important to safeguard for future generations.

The administration has taken countless steps over the past six years on national forest policy to undermine protections for these areas and appease big timber, the oil and gas industry and other development interests. For example, the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, our nation's largest national forest, lost protection under Bush administration directives. From the utter failure to defend the roadless policy in court to the illegal repeal of the rule itself, the administration has shown nothing but contempt for the policy it is supposed to enforce.

"If the administration had its way it would pave paradise," Wilhoite added. "With the help of environmental leaders in Congress, our last wild forests will be protected for future generations."

More than half of the lands within the national forest system -- public lands owned by all Americans -- have already been subjected to development and road building. Roads increase fire risk and the spread of invasive species, while decreasing ecosystem benefits such as clean drinking water, and native fish and wildlife habitat.

Earthjustice has defended this rule in court time and again. Tomorrow in Wyoming, a federal judge will be hearing a case in which Wyoming seeks to block the Clinton-era Roadless Rule. For additional information on the hearing, contact Jim Angell at Earthjustice, (303) 996-9621. 

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Tongass National Forest

More than 140 House Democrats and Republicans, led by Reps. Jay Inslee (D-WA), Christopher Shays (R-CT), George Miller (D-CA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN) introduced legislation today that would provide permanent protection for 58.5 million acres of pristine forest land in 39 states. This would include 9.3 million acres of North America's only coastal temperate rainforest — Alaska's Tongass National Forest. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Warner (R-VA), along with 16 of their colleagues, introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

Congressional efforts today represent the will of the American people and sound science — ensuring a natural legacy for future generations to enjoy.

• HFC's Press Release
• Joint Press Release from Sen. Cantwell and Rep. Inslee
• House and Senate versions of the legislation
• House and Senate "Dear Colleague" letters
• Find out more about the Roadless Area Conservation Rule
• Find out more about the Tongass National Forest

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http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080430/OPINION01/492378286&SearchID=73316749698472

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That is wonderful news if Bush will sign it.   He has been a lousy protector of endangered species and deforestation thus far.   Former Presidents Bush and Clinton both signed 200+ and 300+ respectively of protections (some that the current President Bush reversed) whereas the current Bush Administration has only signed a paltry 58 protections!   I sincerely hope he does something good before leaving office.

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(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – After 6 years of working Wild Sky Wilderness through the legislative process, U.S. Senator Patty Murray and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen today celebrated the final step in the process – Presidential signing.  President Bush signed Wild Sky Wilderness into law this morning, creating the first new wilderness area in the state of Washington in over twenty years.

"I could not be more proud of the spirit of togetherness and dedication that has surrounded Wild Sky from the very beginning.  Today is a tribute to so many people who never gave up and never lost sight of the goal – preserving the heart and soul of this beautiful land," Senator Murray said.  "This new wilderness is a gift to young families, lifelong outdoor enthusiasts and everyone in between.  We are blessed to live so close to such majestic beauty and thanks to this new designation it will be protected for generations to come.  Wild Sky could not have made it to the finish line without the steadfast support of Rick Larsen who has been my partner in this journey.  It's been a long hard climb, but crossing the finish line truly is sweet." 

“Reaching the end of the trail never felt so good,” said Larsen. “Today marks the summit of a long journey made possible by many committed people and years of community input. Together, we not only created a new wilderness bill, but a new model for creating wilderness in the future. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner on this long hike than Senator Patty Murray, and I look forward to celebrating together in the new Wild Sky Wilderness this spring.”

Wild Sky is the result of nearly nine years of work by Senator Murray, Representative Larsen and advocates across Washington state.  Murray and Larsen first introduced the bill in 2002, and it passed the Senate four times and the House twice before finally making it to the President's desk.  

The Wild Sky Wilderness law designates 106,577 acres of national forest in east Snohomish County as wilderness.  In the past, wilderness has consisted solely of old growth forest at higher elevations.  Wild Sky protects thousands of acres of low-elevation old growth and 25 miles of salmon streams to make the land accessible for recreational use. 

Wild Sky will preserve the pristine nature of the land, protect wildlife, promote clean water, enhance and protect recreational opportunities for the region, and contribute to the local economy.

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