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"This Valentine's Day, it looks like big timber's sweetheart deal with the White House is paying off. The Bush Administration and Congressional Republicans worked behind closed doors to attach last-minute amendments to Congress' massive spending package that would open up the entire state of Alaska for logging. "The new language would open up 15 million acres of wild forests in Alaska to Big Timber - paving the way for unlimited logging. Exempting Alaska from the Roadless Rule - a rule banning most roadbuilding and logging -- would cut the heart out of the rule. One-fourth of all roadless areas in the U.S. are in Alaska's Chugach and Tongass National Forests. "Close to 50 timber sales in Alaska's Tongass National Forests will be given a green light if language exempting the Tongass from the Roadless Rule is passed - serving the timber industry their best Valentine present ever. "Americans overwhelmingly support protections for our national forests, but actions like these to undermine forest safeguards, underscores why Big Timber's love for the White House is clear cut, and its breaking the hearts of the American people." The Heritage Forests Campaign has a launched a national "Don't Kiss Off the Roadless Rule Campaign," calling on the Bush Administration to end its sweetheart deal with big timber. The campaign includes television ads, print ads, and events across the country at Forest Service offices. Contact: Tony Iallonardo, NET The Heritage Forests Campaign is an alliance of conservationists, wildlife advocates, clergy, educators, scientists, and other Americans working together to uphold protection of our National Forests. Heritage Forests Campaign's partners include Alaska Rainforest Coalition, American Hiking Society, Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund, National Environmental Trust, National Audubon Society, Natural Resources Defense Council, US PIRG, and The Wilderness Society. 
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