Idaho's Roadless Backcountry
The public comment period for a Bush Administration proposal that would impact millions of acres of Idaho's backcountry forests closed on April 7, 2008. According to estimates provided by the Forest Service and other sources, over 130,000 public comments have been received. In December 2007, the Bush administration began a process to remove protections for more than six million acres of pristine roadless national forests in Idaho.
Over 80,000 Voice Support for Roadless Area Protection
In less than 60 days, more than 80,000 people submitted comments opposing a controversial proposal that would remove current protections for more than 4.4 million acres of Colorado's roadless national forests leaving them vulnerable to industrial development, including coal mining and new oil and gas development. For more on this overwhelming response, read a press release.
Roadless Issue Featured on NOW Television Program
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule is the focus of a recent episode of the PBS television program NOW. Robert C. Vandermark, Manager of the Heritage Forest Campaign, is featured along with other representatives from the ranching, environmental, and mining communities. Watch the program now!
New Land Management Plan for Tongass National Forest
On January 25, 2008, the Bush administration released a new Land Management Plan for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska--the world's last intact temperate rainforest.
Colorado's Roadless National Forests
On December 26, 2007, the Bush administration published its Notice of Intent to begin a federal roadless rulemaking to weaken regulations currently protecting 4.1 million acres of national forest land in Colorado.
This rulemaking could open the door to the mining industry, the oil and gas industry, the logging industry, and the skiing industry for new development in the most peaceful, unspoiled areas of Colorado's National Forests.
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