Heritage Forests Campaign News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 21, 2006
CONTACT:
Dave Bard
202.486.4426 (c)
Statement of Robert C. Vandermark, Director, Heritage Forests Campaign
On Oregon Starting Its Petition Process to Protect Roadless Areas
Washington, D.C. Today, Governor Kulongoski of Oregon along with the state's Department of Forestry and the Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that they will hold a series of public meetings on the federal roadless area petition process. The state will also hold a 30-day public comment period beginning August 10.
"Once again, we see a governor stepping up to the plate because the Bush administration continues to ignore sound science and the wishes of the American public. The trend continues as governors from both parties - from coast to coast - band together to demonstrate that protecting our last wild roadless forests is not about partisan politics. Instead, itís an effort to preserve our natural treasures for future generations.
"This is just the beginning of a long and cumbersome process whose final outcome does not guarantee the future of these roadless areas. But Gov. Kulongoski recognizes the importance of his stateís pristine forests and is committed to doing what he can to protect the roadless areas within them.
"The Forest Service should cease projects in Oregon's roadless areas until the governor's petition process is complete."
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