ROADLESS RULE COMMENTS NEEDED; DEADLINE SEPT. 10

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, August 22, 2001

The Bush Administration is reviewing the Roadless Conservation Initiative that protects 58.5 million acres of federal forest lands, and is seeking public comments on how to proceed.  In Minnesota , the Roadless rule protects 62,000 acres on the Superior National Forest , or, 2 percent of the state’s national forest land.  Your comments are needed to demonstrate strong public support of roadless conservation areas.

The roadless area conservation initiative was the product of 600 public hearings and 1.5 million comments nationwide in 1999 and 2000.  Unfortunately, President Bush issued an executive order in January 2001 halting the rule’s implementation.  In May, he said that the rule should be amended from a uniform policy to one that allows each individual forest to decide what, if any, parts of the roadless areas should be retained. 

As part of the amendment process, public input is needed on a variety of issues to help the administration decide how to proceed with the protection and management of roadless areas.  The 60-day public comment period began on July 10 and continues until September 10, 2001 . 

Once again, widespread support for roadless area conservation must be demonstrated.  Please write to the U.S. Forest Service and tell them to leave the Roadless Area Conservation Rule intact.  Be personal, describing why you think our last wild forests should be protected.  Share your experiences in the BWCAW and Superior National Forest – remember many of Minnesota ’s inventoried roadless areas are adjacent to the Boundary Waters.  Please remember, the deadline for submitting comments is September 10, 2001 .

You may send your comments in writing, by e-mail, or fax to:

USDA-Forest Service – CAT

Attention: Roadless ANPR Comments

P.O. Box 221090

Salt Lake City , Utah 84122

E-mail: roadless_anpr@fs.fed.us

Fax: (801) 296-4090

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