According to recent Forest Service documents, the Bush administration is still trying to weaken the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, perhaps as soon as July.  As you know the roadless rule protects nearly 60 million acres of forestland as a home for wildlife, a haven for recreation, and a heritage for future generations.

Since July is right around the corner, we need your help NOW to ensure protection of our last wild forests for future generations.  The Bush administration has already exempted our largest national forest, Alaska's Tongass Rainforest, from the Roadless Rule.  This great temperate rainforest is now threatened by approximately fifty timber projects in pristine areas that should be protected by the Roadless Rule. 

Now, roadless areas in the Lower 48 are at risk, and we need to let our nation's leaders know that protecting our last wild forests is important.  Mark Rey, current Undersecretary of Agriculture and former top timber lobbyist, wants to allow governors to choose the fate of these pristine roadless areas in their states.  Our national forests belong to all of us, and roadless areas across the country deserve protection.  The Roadless Rule protects our last wild forests, and we need your help keeping it intact.   

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to express my support for the Roadless Area Conservation Rule as it was issued in January 2001. This landmark conservation policy protects 58.5 million acres of national forest land. The Forest Service has received more than 2.5 million comments in support of the rule, an unprecedented outpouring of public support.

The Roadless Rule ensures that our national forests will continue to provide clean drinking water for millions of Americans and critical habitat for fish and wildlife species. Additionally, the rule provides full access for recreational activities such as hiking, paddling, biking, hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing and closes no existing trail. This balanced rule allows for temporary roads to protect public health and safety such as in the case of wildfire.

I am deeply disappointed that the Bush administration recently exempted Alaska's Tongass Rainforest from the roadless rule. I am further troubled by reports that further weakening of the roadless rule is imminent. It is my understanding that the proposed changes would let governors decide whether they want protection for roadless areas in their states. Such a proposal would give governors unprecedented power over federal lands owned by all Americans and could jeopardize some of our last wild forests.

I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule intact in the Lower 48 and in Alaska's Chugach National Forest, and reinstate the Roadless Rule in the Tongass. Thank you for your consideration.

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
June 30, 2004