Save Our Forests!

RIGHT NOW, the Bush Administration is trying to undo the Roadless Area Conservation Rule -- an immensely popular forest conservation measure that protects the America's last wild national forests from logging, mining, and drilling -- so that their friends in the timber industry can log in every last corner of these national treasures. To protect these forests, we need you to TAKE ACTION NOW!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Preserve the Roadless Area Conservation Rule

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to support the Forest Service's Roadless Area Conservation Rule as it now stands. This policy is the product of the most extensive federal rulemaking in history, with more than 600 public hearings and 1.6 million public comments, 95% of which support the strongest protection.

The rule represents a balanced approach to forest conservation, saving the last 30% of America's wild national forests from logging, mining, and drilling -- activities already allowed on most national forest lands. As written, it also adequately addresses issues of fire management, forest health, access, and local input. I also strongly oppose weakening of national forest protection through forest-by-forest decisions on logging and development in roadless areas, a practice that has led to steady decline of these precious lands.

The best way to protect what you term "roadless values" is to let the rule stand, with its inclusion of the Tongass National Forest, as it was written in the January 12, 2001 Record of Decision. Please consider these official comments.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
July 31, 2001


Background Information

The Roadless Area Conservation Rule was developed because more than 1.6 million Americans sent a message to the U.S. Forest Service asking that our National Forests be protected as a legacy for future generations. It has become the largest federal rulemaking process in history, but now the American people need to make their voices heard again.

The forest conservation policy, issued in January 2001, protects the last 30% of America's wild national forests from logging, mining, and drilling -- activities already allowed on most other national forest lands.

Time is of the essence. Please send your official comment to Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth today. Your comments will also be sent to your Member of Congress so that he or she will know how important national forest protection is to you and all Americans.

Because once our forests are gone... they're gone forever.

Thank You,

Heritage Forests Campaign