FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Senate and House Introduce Legislation to Protect National Forests

Oregon legislators co-sponsor bill that would protect 2 million acres in Oregon

Today members from both chambers of Congress introduced bi-partisan legislation that would codify the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule), ensuring continued protection for 58.5 million acres of pristine national forests, including nearly 2 million acres in Oregon.

CONTACT: Matthew Fisher, Oregon Wild, 503-283-6343 x 205

                 Tom Wolf, Oregon Council Trout Unlimited, 503-640-2123       

Today members from both chambers of Congress introduced bi-partisan legislation that would codify the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule (Roadless Rule), ensuring continued protection for 58.5 million acres of pristine national forests, including nearly 2 million acres in Oregon.  

Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Warner (R-VA) introduced the Senate legislation, and Representatives Inslee (D-WA), Shays (R-CT), George Miller (D-CA), Kirk (R-IL), Hinchey (D-NY) and Ramstad (R-MN) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.  The House bill currently has 141 co-sponsors, including Oregon Representatives Blumenauer, DeFazio, Hooley, and Wu.

"We applaud Oregon’s co-sponsors for their commitment to protecting our unspoiled national forests," said Matthew Fisher, Wildlands Advocate for Oregon Wild, formerly Oregon Natural Resources Council. "We hope the rest of Oregon’s Congressional delegation will join this bipartisan effort to preserve our pristine roadless lands.”

The National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2007 would provide permanent protection to roadless wildlands while still allowing forest managers to protect against wildfires and to protect human safety.  The legislation does not close any existing roads or trails and allows full access for recreational activities such as backpacking, camping, hunting, and fishing.

“This act will ensure necessary protection for native wild salmon and trout populations,” said Tom Wolf, Chair for the Oregon Council Trout Unlimited.  “Crucial fish habitat will be left undisturbed and also provide exciting angling opportunities for future generations.” 

The Roadless Rule was approved in January 2001, following 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. 

In May 2005, the Bush administration repealed the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which effectively removed protections for millions of acres of national forest land, leaving them at risk to road construction and industrial development. Last fall, a federal judge reinstated the Roadless Rule after ruling that the Bush administration repeal was illegal.  The Bush administration, along with the timber industry, has filed an appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals challenging this ruling.

“Oregon’s roadless wildlands are an important part of what makes our state a special place to live, work, and raise a family,” added Matthew Fisher.  “These last undeveloped wild places should be set aside as a legacy for our children and grandchildren, not opened up to industrial logging and road building.” 

More information about the National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2007 can be found at www.ourforests.org, including a joint press release from Senator Cantwell and Representative Inslee.

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Oregon Wild, formerly Oregon Natural Resources Council, is a non-profit conservation organization with approximately 5,000 members throughout Oregon.  Since 1974, Oregon Wild has worked to make Oregon a special place to live, work, and raise a family.  For more information visit www.oregonwild.org.

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