My first-ever political contribution was to John McCain in 2000.  Since then, it’s been a tough eight years for the environment.  So, while I make no apologies for my past political inclinations, I was proud in 2008 to cast a vote for hope and change. 

I knew I wasn’t going to get everything I wanted or hoped for overnight.  I didn’t expect President Obama to ride a unicorn at the inauguration parade or for rainbows and butterflies to experience a renaissance a la “jib-jab”.

I’ve seen the West Wing, so I understood that a new administration can only take on so much at one time, and I understand that Western public lands probably isn’t the first thing President Obama or Rahm Emmanuel think about when they wake up in the morning.  However, Barack Obama made one promise on public lands, and he made it here in Oregon – to uphold and defend roadless protections.  (of note, the West Wing series makes an inordinate number of references to the Beaver State)

Though the intent of the 2001 Roadless Rule is clear – to protect our last pristine wild areas from destructive development – roadless policy has become muddled.  Ongoing court cases, state processes, and lots of moving pieces make it a complicated issue.  Until recently, when it came to roadless, the Obama administration, led by Bush administration holdovers, ran on autopilot. 

Baby Steps

Then, on May 28th the administration finally seemed to put on the brakes.  Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack issued a directive that all projects in roadless areas would be subject to his review and approval while the administration decided how best to honor their promise.  This was welcomed news, especially in light of destructive timber sale proposals that are still being justified by uncertainty in the rule.

However, it’s becoming clearer every day that that slowing down one ship in the fleet isn’t enough.  Under the Obama administration, the Forest Service is continuing Bush-initiated appeals including those that would undermine the roadless rule and further complicate the issue.  Equally troubling is the potential appointment of Harris Sherman to head the US Forest Service.

Oregon Walking the Talk

So while the folks in DC may not care too much about western public lands, it’s good to know that some folks here in Oregon do.  Earlier this week, Attorney General John Kroger and Governor Ted Kulongoski sent a letter urging the Forest Service to withdraw its appeals in the 9th Circuit Court.  It is a strong message at a critical time. 

At this exact moment, roadless areas in Oregon are technically protected by the 2001 Roadless Areas Conservation Rule.  However, if the appeal is not withdrawn, literally any day, those protections could be stripped away, putting at risk Oregon's last pristine roadless places including on the doorstep of Crater Lake.  The 2001 Rule is popular, effective, and makes sense.  There’s no need to reinvent the wheel here. 

Learn about one of the most destructive roadless projects proposed in years...And right in our backyard!

Obama has the potential to be a champion on this issue.  He and Secretary Vilsack have publicly supported the Rule.  I understand that it’s hard to call out your potential allies, but it’s also important to hold them accountable.  I applaud the efforts of John Kroger and Ted Kulongoski in walking the talk.  Now we need to make sure that our other leaders do the same!