For immediate release: November 15, 2004
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More Info on WY Roadless Areas

Washington, DC (November 15, 2004) – Wyoming Citizens joined their fellow Americans today in delivering a record-breaking 1.5 million comments to the Bush Administration opposing a plan to open national forest roadless areas to logging and other environmentally harmful activity. Scientists, conservationists, economists, sportsmen, religious organizations, businesses, elected officials, and citizens from all walks of life submitted comments to the Forest Service in the last 120 days.

“Regardless of their backgrounds, Wyoming citizens overwhelmingly support protecting our last wild forests,” said Erik Molvar of Biodiversity Conservation Alliance. “These forests provide critical fish and wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and clean drinking water for millions of Americans nationwide.”

On July 12th, the Bush administration proposed repealing National Forests protections currently in place in the Roadless Rule. Conservationists say the Bush plan eviscerates protections for our last wild forests, 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. November 15 marks the final day the Administration will accept public comments on their plan.

“National Forests belong to all Americans and should be protected with a national policy,” said Molvar. “One hundred years ago President Theodore Roosevelt set aside many of these forests for future generations, and now it’s our responsibility to do the same.”

The Roadless Rule was finalized in January 2001 after years of scientific study, 600 local public hearings and meetings and a record number of public comments. Prior to the current public comment period, the Forest Service received 2.5 million comments in favor of the rule. The Rule protects 58.5 million acres nationwide while allowing temporary road construction in order to fight wildfires, ensure public safety, and protect forest health. Conservationists say the Rule ensures that national forests will continue to provide habitat for fish and wildlife, clean drinking water for millions of Americans, and endless opportunities for recreation.

Wyoming citizens submitted 1,275 individual comments supporting roadless area protection, and in addition, Biodiversity Conservation Alliance collected almost a thousand additional signatures on petitions circulated at Wyoming businesses.