Heritage Forests Campaign News Advisory

July 20: Members of Congress, Environmentalists Blast Bush Plan to Give Away Federal Forests

Imminent Changes Would Destroy Forests

WASHINGTON, DC -- Members of Congress and environmental groups will announce their opposition to the Administrationís proposal to dismantle the Roadless Rule, "one of the most important and popular land preservation initiatives of the last 30 years. (New York Times, 7/18/04)"

The plan, to permit logging, mining and drilling in millions of acres of roadless areas of national forests was announced by the Administration on July 12. A 60 day public comment period was announced on July 16 in the Federal Register. Environmental groups are also running ads next week in Congress Daily.

Day: Tuesday, July 20th

Time: 11:00 AM EST

Location: Cannon House Office Building Terrace, Capitol Hill, Washington, DC. (In the event of rain, the event will be held in Cannon room 441)

Attendees: Sen. Maria Cantwell, Reps. Rosa DeLauro, Jay Inslee, Maurice Hinchey, Earl Blumenauer, members of Heritage Forests Campaign, U.S. PIRG, National Environmental Trust, others.

TV Media: Beta tapes of b-roll footage are available. For information contact Jennifer Quilo at Planet Vox at 202-842-1515.

Radio Media: Interviews can also be scheduled through Caplan Communications by calling Aric Caplan at 301-770-0550.

For additional information, contact Tony Iallonardo, at 202-887-8800.

The Heritage Forests Campaign is an alliance of conservationists, wildlife advocates, clergy, educators, scientists, and other Americans who are working together to uphold protection of our National Forests. To learn more, visit: ourforests.org