Heritage Forests Campaign News Release

July 17, 2003

STATEMENT OF ROBERT VANDERMARK
Co-Director, HERITAGE FORESTS CAMPAIGN

Congress Debates Bush Plan to Log America's Last Wild Forests

"I'm glad to be here today with our new Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth to announce the Department's decision to uphold the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Through this action, we are reaffirming the Department of Agriculture's commitment to the important challenge of protecting roadless values."

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman May 4, 2001

"The Bush administration is actively misleading the American people. Despite Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman's pledge to uphold the roadless rule, the administration sent Congress an official statement today urging them to vote against the rule.

"Lobbying against the roadless rule puts the President out of step with the public. More than two million Americans have called for strong protections for their last wild forests. Yet the Bush administration and their timber industry allies are determined to push their logging agenda despite overwhelming public opposition.

"Today's vote on roadless forests shows that many members of Congress are willing to stand up to the Bush administration and stand for their constituents' wishes. Americans can be proud that their representatives in Washington are listening to them and working to protect these last wild places for future generations to enjoy."

Contact: Tony Iallonardo, NET
(202) 887-8855

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.