TRCP Lauds Renewal of USDA Roadless Directive
News for Immediate Release
May 28, 2010
Contact: Joel Webster, 406-360-3904, jwebster@trcp.org
to backcountry fish and wildlife habitat
WASHINGTON – The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership today praised a decision by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to require secretarial-level review for road-building and timber-cutting projects in national forest roadless areas. Announced this morning by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the action renews a directive, issued in 2009, that was set to expire tomorrow.
“American sportsmen appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s actions, and we encourage the Department of Agriculture to adhere to the Roadless Area Conservation Rule when considering projects in roadless areas,” said Joel Webster, associate director of campaigns for the TRCP Center for Western Lands. “The future of public-lands hunting and fishing depends on roadless policy that safeguards fish and wildlife habitat. The 2001 roadless rule is the strongest option for conserving our backcountry legacy and outdoor traditions.”
The administration has established a record of support for national roadless conservation. Today’s decision should help provide consistency as uncertainty surrounding the future of the 2001 rule is determined. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals is expected to render a decision on the rule as early as this summer.
“The USDA’s commitment to roadless conservation policies underscores the federal government’s support of our public-lands hunting and fishing heritage,” said Geoff Mullins, Director of Policy Initiatives and Communications for the TRCP. “Sportsmen appreciate the department’s ongoing efforts on behalf of our backcountry fish and wildlife habitat and look forward to continuing to work to uphold this irreplaceable outdoor legacy.”
Amidst legal uncertainty surrounding the national roadless rule, the state of Colorado continues to work with the USDA to develop rules for the management of 4.2 million acres of roadless areas within its borders. Sportsmen have criticized deficiencies in the proposed Colorado roadless rule and requested that these problems be resolved before the rule is finalized.
“The Colorado roadless rule must safeguard roadless areas at a level that is consistent with the measures afforded by the national rule,” continued Webster. “As currently written, the proposed rule could negatively affect world-class big-game and wild trout habitat. Sportsmen urge Secretary Vilsack to help fix the numerous shortcomings in the state’s final petition.”
Learn more about the TRCP’s work in support of roadless area conservation.
and grassroots partners working together to preserve the traditions
of hunting and fishing.
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