WASHINGTON, DC, June 21, 2006 -- “Today the Bush administration accepted petitions submitted by the governors of Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina to preserve National Forest roadless areas in their states. Millions of Americans have spoken out in favor of protecting all roadless forests throughout the nation for the clean water and abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities they provide.

“At the same time, the Administration continues to reject the repeated requests of Oregon Governor Kulongoski and is pushing roadless area logging over the objections of state and local governments, hunting and fishing enthusiasts, local businesses and the larger public. The majority of Oregonians have repeatedly voiced their strong support for the permanent protection of roadless areas.

“The Administration still has time to stop this logging proposal in Oregon and leave these roadless areas intact while Governor Kulongoski petitions for their permanent protection. We urge the Administration to honor its word and withdraw these logging plans.

“The three governors are to be commended for submitting petitions to protect all of the roadless areas in their states. However, The Wilderness Society has serious concerns about this administrative process. It is important to recognize that today’s acceptance of the three petitions does not mean those areas will be protected in the end.”