FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Judge refuses Wyoming Request to Scrap Roadless Rule

A federal court denies a request from the State of Wyoming

Today a federal judge denied a motion by the State of Wyoming to invalidate the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule.

CONTACT: Steve Pedery, Oregon Wild, 503-283-6343 x 212     

Today a federal judge denied a motion by the State of Wyoming to invalidate the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule).  The Roadless Rule, which protects approximately 50 million acres of pristine wildlands nationwide, was repealed by the Bush administration in 2005, only to be reinstated in 2006 by a California court that found the Bush administration repeal to be illegal. 

“This is a victory for all Americans who value wildlands, wildlife, and clean water,” said Steve Pedery, Conservation Direction for Oregon Wild.  "America's remaining roadless wildlands are treasures that should be protected as a legacy for future generations."    

U.S. District Judge Clarence Brimmer, who issued today’s ruling, is not new to litigation over the roadless rule.  In 2003, Brimmer invalidated the Roadless Rule in response to a lawsuit from the State of Wyoming.  The controversial ruling was being appealed in a higher court when the Bush administration repealed the Roadless Rule in 2005.  As a result, the appeal was dismissed.  

The popular Roadless Rule was approved in January 2001 following several years of scientific study, more than 600 public meetings across the country, and approximately 2 million public comments, nearly all in favor of strong protections for roadless areas.  Oregonians, in particular, submitted more public comments per capita than any other state.    

“Oregonians understand the importance of protecting our last unspoiled places, ” added Matthew Fisher, Wildlands Advocate for Oregon Wild.  "From hunting and fishing to backpacking and whitewater boating, our roadless wildlands are an important part of what makes Oregon such a special place to live, work, and raise a family."  

Last month, Congress introduced bipartisan legislation to permanently protect America’s unspoiled national forest roadless areas.  The House bill currently has 141 co-sponsors, including Oregon Representatives Blumenauer, DeFazio, Hooley, and Wu.  The Senate version has 18 co-sponsors, none from Oregon.  Oregon Wild and other conservation groups are urging Senators Wyden and Smith to support this important legislation. 

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