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September 14, 2004
Contact: Arthur Stamoulis
(215) 567-4004 ext. 222
 
Conservationists Announce
One Million Comments in
Support of Protecting America's National Forests
Opposition to Bush Admin's Repeal of Roadless Rule Strong
in Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA - Local conservationists
announced today that more than one million Americans nationwide
have called on the Bush administration to abandon its proposal
to repeal the widely popular Roadless Area Conservation
Rule. Since mid-July, over 44,000 comments have been submitted
by Pennsylvanians in support of protecting roadless forests.
With the Administration's 120-day comment period reaching
the halfway mark today, coalition members said they expect
comments against the Bush plan to continue to pour in.
"It is abundantly clear that Pennsylvanians
continue to overwhelmingly support protecting our last wild
forests," said Arthur Stamoulis, Field Organizer for
the Heritage Forests Campaign, a coalition of conservationists
and outdoor enthusiasts. "The public has shown little
tolerance for the Bush administration's National Forests
giveaway, and we hope this outpouring convinces them to
change direction."
The Roadless Area Conservation Rule currently
protects 58.5 million acres nationwide, including 25,000
acres in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, while
allowing temporary road construction in order to fight wildfires,
ensure public safety, and protect forest health.
On July 12th, the Bush administration
proposed replacing the National Forest protections currently
in place under in the Roadless Rule. Conservationists say
the Bush plan eviscerates current forests protections, and
instead abdicates national forest stewardship to state and
local politicians who could either petition for protection
of roadless areas in their states-or for more logging, mining
and drilling.
Last week the Forest Service extended
the public comment period after weeks of pressure from the
public but has not scheduled any public hearings. Comments
are now being accepted until November 15th.
"Americans have spoken up loudly
and clearly that country's last-remaining pristine forests
should be protected for future generations. The administration's
decision to extend the comment period is an indication that
they feel it is too risky to eliminate roadless protections
right before the election," said Stamoulis.
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To comment please visit www.ourforests.org
or send a letter directly to the Forest Service at statepetitionroadless@fs.fed.us.
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