July 28, 2005 (Washington, DC) ) - Today Representative Inslee (D-WA) and Representative Boehlert (R-NY) introduced a piece of legislation that could not come at a more critical time for our national forests. With the Bush administration’s repeal of the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, the need has never been greater for a national rule to protect our last untouched national forests.

We rely on these forest lands for clean drinking water and clean air; they provide unparalleled recreational opportunities and essential intact habitats for wildlife. Now that nearly 60 million acres of national forest are on the chopping block, passing this legislation is imperative.

The Bush Administration has tried to shirk their duty to the national forests, but Representatives Inslee and Boehlert, along with 146 co-sponsors, recognize the responsibility owed to their constituents, the millions of Americans who weighed in to support the protection of roadless forests leading to the enactment of the popular 2001 Rule was enacted. This bill also recognizes that the responsibility for America’s national forests belongs at the national level.

Over half of our national forests are already open to logging, mining, and other development. Clearly far more acres of trees have already been cut down and crisscrossed with roads than will ever remain unspoiled. If we want to continue to drink clean water and if we want to be able to take our children and our grandchildren to see the wonders of the natural world, then we must protect these lands. We will never get back what is already gone, and we should fight to protect what is left because once these places are gone, they are lost forever.