In what’s left of roadless areas of the nation’s National Forests, wildlife species
get some security from human disturbance, harassment and killing. It goes without
saying that wildlife can sure use the security, with or without the pressures
exerted by our new climate. But homeland security for wildlife isn’t the only good
reason to keep the remnant roadless roadless.
What’s left of the nation’s roadless areas also serve the creatures we all know
best — people. It’s no secret that many Americans like to get out of their cars
and away from roadside crowds to enjoy the singular freedom of a walk in the wild
quiet of roadless woods. I’m one. For me, homeland security means security for the
roadless forests too.
Lance
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“Last year, more than 140 House members and 19 senators introduced the National
Forest RoadlessArea Conservation Act. It is past time to provide permanent
protection for the forests by turning the Clinton rule into firm law.”
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The New York Times
August 21, 2008
Editorial
There Ought to Be a Roadless Law
Among President Bill Clinton’s signature environmental achievements was a
regulation that prohibited new roads – and by extension, new commercial activity –
in nearly 60 million largely undeveloped acres of the national forests. For seven
years, the Bush administration, egged on by its friends in the timber and
oil-and-gas industries, has worked tirelessly to kill the roadless rule.
Conservationists have worked just as hard to preserve it.