We ask visitors to OurForests.org to add a personalized postscript to their message to the Administration.  Below you can read a handful of the thousands of personalized comments that were submitted in January and February, 2000.

President Clinton
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear President Clinton:

We have a responsibility to future generations to protect our last scenic wilderness. I urge you to permanently protect all National Forest roadless areas larger than 1,000 acres -- America's Heritage Forests -- from all damaging activities, including logging, mining, and off-road motorized vehicles.


I am a life-long Alaskan, and I plan on staying here a lot longer. I am 28 years old, and already in my short life I have seen Alaska become polluted to the point that not only are animals dying and mutating, but people are getting cancers related to it. The Alaska of my childhood was beautiful and green. I want my own descendants to have what I had as a child as well. Please seriously consider the ideas expressed above and act upon them. We are all depending on this!
Alberta Gerlt-Nelson, Anchorage, AK

Please save the forests for our children.
Gay Dean, Fairhope, AL

There is nothing more I have to say to you. I normally don't correspond with people i have no respect for and the only reason you are getting this postcard from me is because I do care about the National Forests & wildlife
sherry williams
Pleasant Grove, AL

This is a 15 yr. old whom in which cares very dearly for the scenes of the future.
Jessica Jennings, Berryville, AR

Thank you from the world
denise webb, Little Rock, AR

Many of us from Arkansas are justifiably proud of the good work you've done, but we all know there's a lot more to do. Remember, the Native Americans who were here before us believed that a person's enemies were a measure of their worth. Don't stop now.
Chuck Bomer, Little Rock, AR

Do this for my grandsons, Mason and D.J.
Betty Garvey, Scottsdale, AZ

Please remember your Pentacostal roots. Be good to God's world.
Jolida Ream, Tucson, AZ

If we don't do this now,when?
Thomas Favell, Van Nuys, CA

i want our children & our children's children to be able to enjoy what we have been able to. to see the beauty, and not be denied what they don't have a choice in.
todd mchenry, Reseda, CA

dont sell our public lands without asking for our vote!!!!!! remember us ? we the people not you the elected officials?
jackie zankowski, Lancaster, CA

Government must protect our public forest heritage from private gain, with no exceptions. Far too much has been lost already. Our descendants also have a right to breathe quality air. It is our duty to protect it for them.
Carol Vesecky, Palo Alto, CA

If setting aside roadless areas is ever deemed a mistake, it is one our descendents can easily remedy. If our generation loses wilderness, there won't be much future generations can do to create wilderness.
Brad Goodhart, Cloverdale, CA

Please do all you can to keep our forests alive I have a nine year old grandson that I hope one day he will be able to enjoy them as I have.
Jacque Barry, Long Beach, CA

My heart aches to see clear cutting end & to see the protection of our last old growth forrests preserved for future generations & out of consideration & love for the creatures that call it home & do we not love our earth mother? please help bless the planet with more than good intentions...thank you.
Glenda villalobos, Castro Valley, CA

In fact, I urge you to protect ALL National Forest areas, of any size, to prevent further encroachment of a ruthless consumer civilization on the fragile natural world!
Marjorie Benet, Irvine, CA

I live about 10 minutes from many logging plants. Everyday is a constant reminder of just how much of America's forest's are destroyed every day. I strongly urge you to save the remaining roadless areas. Future generations deserve to have the opportunity to be able to enjoy their country's natural wonders.
Andrea McManus, Arcata, CA

I love camping and hiking, and I have a four year old son. I want him to enjoy the wilderness as much as I have over my life, and his children to be able to do the same thing. We have plenty of wood items, and other resourses with which to substitute tree usage, such as cotton, and hemp (if it where to be legalized). There are plenty of tree farms available without having to devistate the old growth forests.
Deonizia D'Asaro, Lincoln, CA

Mr. President, You have the opportunity of a lifetime to make a difference.....please act on this opportunity for all of us now, and for our future generations. Thank you.
Vincent Villalobos, Castro Valley, CA

Please help protect our wild lands; it is the most lasting contribution you can make to our nation and the world.
E.J. Chichilnisky, Del Mar, CA

As a former White House intern who worked at the Council on Environmental Quality I strongly (whose job it was to respond to letters like these), I strongly urge you to permanently protect America's wilderness areas for future generations.
Josh Steinitz, San Francisco, CA

Some future generation will find itself with only 1,000 roadless acres to decide on, but, of course, it will already be too late. Our generation needs to act before the situation becomes so dire. I urge you to leave this leagcy of decision for future generations who will be glad the decision was made now.
Chris Mott, Moorpark, CA

To not do so further jeopardizes the lives of our children and our nation. As an ecology/plant biology student at UC Berkeley, I have become aware of the absolute necessity of beginning preservation of the forests we have left NOW. It is currently our choice to decide what legacy we leave behind on the national landscape; in a few years it may no longer be an option. Please give this legislation your thoughtful consideration.
E Lewis, Berkeley, CA

You have the chance to do this now. Please don't wait for someone else to take care of this urgent matter. I ask you to do the right thing and protect our great Earth.
Brooke Wobig, Colorado Springs, CO

I live in Colorado and to be able to drive to the Mountains and enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature and see the Wildlife is UPLIFTING and if we continue to build and destroy the land, we will loose Wildlife and the enjoyment of the scenery. Many people destroy lands with off-road vehicles and why do they need to use vehicles...Best WAY is to walk and ENJOY NATURE as ITS NATURAL STATE....Thank You Genise
Genise Gerk, Denver, CO

What greater legacy could you leave than to save our forests which provide 80% of our country's fresh water sources, homes to one-quarter of America's endanger species, and generation of $110 billion in benefits from recreation on National Forest lands as compared to $3.5 billion from logging. Please carry through on your promise made over a year ago regarding this issue.
Joyce Doyle, Colorado Springs, CO

Instead of searching for a new planet to live on...why don't we save this planet. It's not too late!
kathleen stelmach, Castle Rock, CO

Dear Mr. President, I know that your office is coming to a close. Before you leave, can you do this country a big favor and save our forests. I don't know if you noticed but the tree line on the mountains are receding that means are forests are getting smaller. And now you add mining, logging, and off-roading these forests will erode and disappear even faster. Please do something before its to late. I would like to see our Grandkids have a place to go camping and enjoy the wilderness.
Robert Jennings Jr., Colorado Springs, CO

Dear Sir: There is an 'Old expression' and it goes like this, I know you have heard it before,"Only God can Make a Tree", and in fact he did! Only God can make our Oceans and Rivers and streams and in fact He did! Only God can make the animals and inhabitants that live in OUR forest and He did! If you love your Nation and Country and You KNOW that God made all these for Us to enjoy, then why would you let anyone or anything take them away or destroy them? Remember " Only God can ever put them back when they are gone" and He may not look so kindly if we don't do the Right thing for them!
Jan Wallace, Old Mystic, CT

I want my children to enjoy the vast wilderness as I have been able to.
Lisa Limeburner, Bristol, CT

Leave the forests for our kids!
Bruce Limeburner, Old Saybrook, CT

Please protect our forests so my daughter can grow up to know what a real forest looks like in real life, not just in a picture
William English, Laurel, DE

It would be very sad to see America without these forest. It is in our best interest, as well as the interest of the future generations, to protect this precious land and the wildlife. God gave this land to us, now let us treat it with respect.
Leslie Radcliff, Palm Bay, FL

SAVE THE LAND FOR OUR KIDS
HARRY DORADO, Brandon, FL

Please sir, Not for us but for the future of our children
Tony LaGreca, Tampa, FL

I would love to be able to continue to study and be able to experience the natural wildlife around us without reading it in a history book.
Christene Swarthout, Pensacola, FL

I am a former eagle boy scout, a graduate of UF in forestry/wildlife , a research doctor in medical molecular genetics and a firm believer in keeping the last of our natural areas exactly that, NATURAL. Thank you for your time. Dr P H Dube
philip dube, Homestead, FL

President Clinton: Ever since I was a little girl, I have enjoyed the wonders of forests. My father taught my sister and I about the natural resources of our state, the beauty it holds and the many pleasures that can come from the Earth if we protect it. I hope that you and Vice President Gore will do your part to help preserve those natural treasures. I would like for my children and grandchildren to enjoy the same wonders that I did as a young girl.
Rachelle Bott, Naples, FL

I want my grandchildren to be able to see our forests- what about your future grandchildren?
Marilyn Jones, Atlanta, GA

We just can't afford to let short-sighted interests overwhelm the importance of preserving undeveloped and undisturbed wilderness. Every time I go hiking or canoeing I see how quickly development is moving and it makes me very sad. There has got to be some kind of balance. We need large open natural areas for wildlife habitat and just to preserve our own sanity... sanctuaries where we can go quietly to be reminded of the miracle of life. Please help! Thank you.
Elaine Seyman, Alpharetta, GA

I have always loved the beautiful forests that America has and ache to see any of it, that is unnecessary, cut down for more buildings. I feel that we as Americans can live with the animals of the wild if we learn more about them instead of being scared of them. They need their homes to live, the rain forests, and survive as well. I ask that you take a good look at the importance of the rain forests for man kind and understand that without it we will not survive. The rain forests provides us with plants for medicine and food, for oxygen for all of us to breathe, and it balances the atmosphere. Not to mention the beauty it has for each one of us. If you picture the future, I don't think you would like what you see if there were no trees, no rain forests.
Wallyn Anderson, Honolulu, HI

It is past time for humans to understand the quality of life not just money. Thank you!
Connie Gilmore, Linn Grove, IA

please help save the wild forests. i'm only 13 so please do it to save kids like me futures.
carleen cavanaugh, Midlothian, IL

I am Team leader in the National Guard and when we go out to the field for training I have my troops police the area that we utilized. I also am VERY fond of the National forest That we have in this great Nation!
Edward Cohen, Skokie, IL

Dear President Clinton, A few years ago my children Cameron and Whitney ,and I had a chance to walk, hike and spend sometime in the glorious forest. Not only were we awstruck at it's glory but we were able to stand within it's beauty and bond together. That was 3 years ago. Since then I have been totally disabled due to a car wreck. My girls have been great through all of this,they are 13 and 14 now. There is no chance that I will be able to return, however wouldn't it be nice if my grandchildren could go with their mothers and have the same overwhelming sense or peace? Please do all you can to keep the loggers etc. out of one of the most beautiful places in America.
Kelley Bashaw, Shawnee Mission, KS

I have a 5 year old daughter. She will have children. They will have no places of beauty to inspire them, no clean air to breathe, and no wild places to explore. One person cannot change the world, but one person can inspire others to.
Barbara Isert, Lexington, KY

I am not experienced in government matters such as this, as a matter of fact im only 15. I know ,though, that the forests have to be protected, if not for the animals for us and our future generations.
Brandon Lee, Monroe, LA

there is so little true wilderness left, please consider preserving the forests--God appointed us caretakers--save the plants& animals!
Anna Jeanne Russell, New Bedford, MA

We desperately need these wilderness areas for our sanity and peace of mind...and the wildlife need them for their very survival. WE have already destroyed too much land for our own selfish purposes and have already deprived too many wild animals of their natural habitat. Let's not make that mistake again. Please make it a priority to protect this land.
Marcia Scott, Hudson, MA

we are slowly, and in many cases, quickly destroying the future for our children, grandchildren and beyond. drastic measures must be taken now to avoid total destruction in the future. "we have not inherited the earth from our ancestors, we are borrowing it from our children."-- old Native American proverb
Beth Blumenschein, Gaithersburg, MD

I am sick of seeing our landscape destroyed by organizations which our tax dollars support. Our land is for it's residents, not big corporations. Please protect the beauty and native ecology of our forests.
Darian Copiz, Takoma Park, MD

For me, none of the potential multiple uses of ntional forest roadless areas even approaches their value as a source of wilderness experiences. And contrary to other uses, careful, well managed wilderness use is non-consumptive, eternally sustainable. Finally, it is increasingly important in a world marked by the rampant growth of a technology which tends to separate us from our evolutionary and cultural history and thus makes us less appreciative of our natural life support sytem and thus less willing and able to protect it.
Eberhard Thiele, Ph.D., Fort Kent, ME

Please stay strong when faced with those who identify these destructive activities as "recreational". These activities must be stopped within our wilderness areas.
Tereasa Corcoran, Oxford, MI

I am a retired school teacher very interested in protecting these forests for my grand children!
Donald Stahlbaum, Paw Paw, MI

please ensure that my nephew and neice will have an opportunity to see nature in it's scenic and natural state.
charles garski, Minneapolis, MN

I used to be a federal wildlife biologist, and I can't tell you how much acre of remaining forest is vital to the survival of many, many species on the brink of extinction
Josh Cerra, Minneapolis, MN

I understand there are finacial considerations involved - however we have all had to make financial changes in our lives. For some reason I tend to think breathing is a more important consideration than having to rethink a business decision.
NANCY HATCHER, Springfield, MO

I think this is of the upmost importance the the future of our children. Money hungry people are jeopardizing this natural resource. It has to stop!
Jim Cole, III, Schlater, MS

I agree with the message above. Save our Wilderness. Help us and our generations to come. Hear the cry of the people. Thnk You
Martha Maisel, Kure Beach, NC

Logging is the primary source of pollution in our forests. This is a national disgrace that we allow the large logging companies to pressure us into destroying the environment. "Our" forests not only belong to us, but to everyone on this planet.
Deborah Kull, Raleigh, NC

I personally moved to Brevard, NC some three years ago in order that I might reside near Pisgah National Forest thus making it possible that my children could and would both enjoy and respect the gift of nature and the inherent beauty. Please preserve this forest and all the others for them!
Mollie Arnette, Brevard, NC

My boys and I love to camp, hike swim in clean, unspoiled areas. We leave these areas as we came.Please keep them safe. The world is expanding way too fast.
Teresa Nichols, Asheville, NC

When I recently read about how many miles of roads the Forest Service has built in our national forests, I was appalled. We really need to stop destroying our forests.
Jan Larson, Asheville, NC

Please save our forests, we need whats left. We all must do our part to help save our planet, this is a step in the right direction.
Fran Sharpback, Winnebago, NE

Allow America's future children the privilege of knowing, seeing and feeling God's undisturbed creation. Allow them to view natural life as it was in the beginning and is now. Allow nature to continue to take its course with all life forms. Don't snuff out that part of America, as we have done the native Americans and their cultures. (No, I am not a native American. But I empathize with them because America has been and I feel in many instances is still destroying their civilization and they were here first and have very little to show for it.)
Deborah Houston, Hillside, NJ

I am in 5th grade and am 10 years old.
Mallory Visser, Franklin Lakes, NJ

It's so important for America to preserve the forests, farmland, and open space it has left. Please do not allow roads,logging, or mining in our national forests.
Winifred Johanson, New Providence, NJ

As a science teacher of middle school children, I constantly remind them that we are responsible for protecting our natural resources such as wilderness areas for future generations. Please act to guarantee those future citizens of our great country the legacy They deserve.
Paul MacDonald, Closter, NJ

Please help save our forests and all the wonderful creatures that live in them.
Miranda Taylor, Elko, NV

I am a volunteer fireman. What we do is try to protect people's houses and personal items. At the very least, you could protect the forests for my children and everyone else's. Every little bit helps!
James Lingley, Ossining, NY

I have seen the damage first hand, and it makes me cry. Please save what little is left.
Daria Jarmel, Bay Shore, NY

I have two boys and care about their future !
Jennifer Ligon, Gloversville, NY

I grew up playing in the forests of western Masssachusetts. I look back and remember that was the best time of my childhood growing up. It sparked the imagination in myself and my friends exploring the mysteries of the rivers,ponds, and woods!! It also taught us respect and opened our growing minds to learn. I would like to know the same will be there for my son when he is old enough to run through the forest too! Because as an adult, it is still some of the best times in my life!!
stacie albanese, Levittown, NY

Logging removes trees that protect against the erosion that damages water quality. It also removes vital habitat that keeps wild populations --predators as well as prey--in equillibrium. Mining destroys water quality for centuries more than the initial impact of mines; just look at the acid mines undermining the aquifers of the Rockies. The US is the only country in the world with such a diversity of beautiful wild places, please make sure they stay protected as they are!

Emily Robertson, Clay, NY

My entire environmental club at Chester High School, 3 Maple Avenue, Chester, NY 10918 also wishes to urge you to protect these lands - and more. You've done so much already - keep up the good work.
Marlena Lange, Middletown, NY

As a biologist who works to preserve sustainable populations of birds, I am increasingly concerned about land use practices that impact birds. Wilderness designation has the potential to be a trememdous tool to help protect wildlife populations of all kinds. Protecting it is important. Making sure that it can be managed scientifically to keep the fish and wildlife within and without of its boundaries common is another important issue. Currently, wilderness is not managed in a way that allows both recreational use and ensures that we may use management to keep commom species common and rare species in existence. I congatulate you on your roadless propositions and urge you to keep up the good work.
Bruce Robertson, Ithaca, NY

we owe this to the children
ANNE FINCH, Akron, OH

As a mother, grandmother, and Assistant Attorney General of the state of Oklahoma, I support your committment to this endeavor.
Annette Prince, Oklahoma City, OK

Please recognize that the Tongass, as America's last vast expanse of temperate rainforest, is especially precious and should be protected like the national treasure it is.
Annelise Kelly, Portland, OR

I have grown up in the Northwest and have seen the massive destruction of ou beautiful old growth forests. Please be a leader that respects the earth and Stop the cutting of our forests.
mona warner, Beaverton, OR

I was born and raised in Wyoming, I've lived in Colorado and California. I've lived the past 26 years in Oregon. I am a Western American citizen. These shovel people in Nevada are only a small group. They do not represent the thinking of the Western people.
Donald Nordin, Cottage Grove, OR

How can we destroy the little that we have left? Please do everything you can to save what is left.
David Brubaker, Lancaster, PA

also, please put measures in place to protect our outdoor sporting heratige(hunting, fishing and trapping)
john s. bruggeman, York, PA

My daughter Gaia is doing her 3rd grade science project on the water cycle, explaining why WE need to save our forests. Sixty-six percent of all our water is here because of our forests (evaporation/condensation). She wants all her class to write to you. Her name means "Mother Earth". Let's do it for ALL our children!
Donna Liotta, Newport, RI

We must think of all the other species on our planet that deserve our protection. After all we are the caretakers. so let's take care!
Lakota Harden, Rapid City, SD

Only when the last tree has been cut, the last river poisoned, and the last has fish died will man realize that he cannot eat money. Paraphrased from an unknown American Indian
William Martin, Memphis, TN

As a child (I'm 63 now) I was able to romp through the woods and being able to drink from a stream without fear. Now I am not sure that the water is safe for animals much less humans. Let's place as much forest/land in preservation as possible. What you did with the Grand Canyon is commendable. May your successor keep up the good work.
CARL COMBS, San Antonio, TX

I am 11 years old and would like my children to be able to see the beautiful forest that I have been able to see.
Dustin Harter, Round Rock, TX

As a member of the democratic party I am very displeased with the efforts that have been made to protect the environment. We are not doing enough, but bowing down to big business. Please step up the efforts to save what little forests we have left.
Dorry Keene, Arlington, TX

Sir, I am an Eagle Scout and a soldier in your Army. We must protect one of our most valuable resources, our forests. I have and always will enjoy camping and hiking in our nations forests. Please, protect them.
Joshua Ellis, Killeen, TX

We have more than enough roads. Don't need any more!!! ORV 's are trashing Utah.
Peggy Peterson, Layton, UT

I am 15 years old and when I am 40 I want to still be able to take a walk in the woods.
Corinne McDonald, Virginia Beach, VA

If we don't do it, who will Mr. Clinton?
Toni Trepanier, Accomac, VA

One of my favorite proverbs says, "The Earth was not given to us by our ancestors; it was loaned to us by our children." Beautiful. I keep that message always in mind, that there is something worth preserving for those who will come after me, and after them, and so on. We are a selfish lot, consuming and wasting as if there were infinite resources, space, and solutions. But you and I know that there aren't. I have only a small request: permanently protect all National Forest areas and do it now. We owe it to our children.
Christie Hammack-Ginther, Charlottesville, VA

President Clinton I'm only 12 but I already Know the impotaance of our national forest they aren't always going to be so please try to make a law or something to stop some of this i understand the importance of logging companys but I do not think that there should be so much logging going on. If this is one of Mr. Clinton's secretarys please I urge you to let him read this Mr. Clinton is a tremendous influence on my life. thank very much for taking time out of your day to listen to me gripe.
Sincerely, Chelsea Lian Rich
chelssea rich, Saint Albans, VT

There are so few places people can go, to see and enjoy the way this country used to look like before the white settlers came. Native people have tried to protect the land as much as we could. It is time for the government to look ahead 7 generations as we do, and see what legacy you leave your children, as well as ours. The fate of these Forests are in your hands.
Rhetta Kutch, Spokane, WA

I am a truck driver in wash. and i see the bare mountains where trees used to be and it looks like by the time my kids are older there wont be anything left for are kids to enjoy like camping,hiking or just the wilderness.It seems its being torn down faster than it can grow.
daniel lopez, Bremerton, WA

Please listen to the people who wish to keep this planets heritage preserved for our own enjoyment and future generations...Chelsea's children, your grandchildren and their children. Thank you!
Linda Jarvis, Port Townsend, WA

Bill: I'm a registered landscape architect & ecologist who by fate has inherited the task of restoring the boyhood home of "the father of our national parks --- John Muir. Make the protection & restoration of what's left of America's wild places your swan song & grand finale! That will forever live on as an everlasting legacy to your prophecy.
Erik Brynildson, Montello, WI

As a member of the Wisconsin Go-Hiking Club, this is especially important.
Barbara Kelley, Grafton, WI

Please think of other needs to meet beside the almighty dollar.
F. Jane Bott, Morgantown, WV