Protect Idaho's Roadless Backcountry
Send Comments in Support of Protecting Our Last Wild Frontier
Recently the Bush administration initiated a national rulemaking that will decide the fate of more than 9.3 million acres of roadless areas in Idaho's national forests. These areas currently enjoy protection under the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The proposed rule could open the door to mining, logging, road construction, oil and gas development as well as other corporate special interests on as many as 6 million acres of these pristine forests.
Idaho's roadless areas make up the core of the last intact forest ecosystem in the lower 48 states — where all of the native plants, fish and wildlife — from the smallest plant to the largest predator — can still be found.
The Forest Service is now accepting public comments. The time to act is now! Sign the letter below to let the Forest Service know that you want all of Idaho's Roadless Areas protected — and that the public needs to be given more time to comment. We encourage you to include your own personal comments — advocacy emails are much more effective when you take the time to add your own thoughts.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: Keep Idaho's Wild National Forests Intact
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
The state of Idaho contains over 9.3 million acres of National Forest roadless areas — the most of any state outside of Alaska. Idaho's roadless backcountry makes up the core of the last intact forest ecosystem in the lower 48 states — the last place where all of the native plants, fish and wildlife — from the smallest plant to the largest predator — can still be found.
As these pristine wild lands become scarcer on our national landscape, we need to think ahead to guard those quiet, special places where we escape the noise and crowds of everyday life. These areas belong to all Americans and managing them conscientiously is of great importance to me.
I write also to ask that you fully consider the impacts of logging, road construction, mining and other industrial development in roadless areas. Such activities will have irreversible impacts on the clean drinking water they supply, the vital habitat they provide for fish and wildlife, and the countless recreational opportunities that exist on these unspoiled wild areas in Idaho. It is important that these backcountry areas in our national forests are protected.
Along with the majority of Americans, I believe that all of Idaho's roadless areas should be fully protected in accordance with the Roadless Area Conservation Rule and that these same protections be afforded to all roadless areas on all national forests. These are public lands and should be managed in accordance with the public will.
Sincerely,
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