The wild forests of Idaho are legendary, with their rushing rivers, sun-drenched forests and habitat rich in wildlife. The state's nine million acres of undeveloped forestland is truly a resource to be cherished by all of us.
But most of this wild country could be opened to energy development, mining, logging and road construction if the Bush Administration gets its way. And they are counting on doing the deed quietly, without a fuss.
The days of the Bush Administration are numbered, but that makes the Administration all the more eager to open our beloved public lands to industry access. In Idaho, the Bush Administration is seeking to remove the protections of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which has kept nine million acres of wild forest protected for the past decade.
Without expressed public opposition, the Bush Administration will move swiftly to open this precious resource to development. At risk are the forests themselves, and the many animals that depend on them, such as grizzlies, wolves, lynx and woodland caribou.
Help save Idaho's magnificent public lands from the Administration's ill-conceived plans. Tell the Forest Service that you want Idaho's national forests protected.
Dear Mr. Gilbert,
I recently learned about the proposed plans to roll back protections for six of the nine million acres of roadless national forest in Idaho, and I am greatly concerned about the potential effects on these fragile and treasured lands.
Protections were developed in 2001 to safeguard all remaining national forest roadless areas in the country from development. These protections are still law, and should remain so. Ex-Governor Jim Risch's petition to the Forest Service to allow for development in Idaho's these pristine forests is an unwelcome proposal. Recent polls indicate that Idahoans overwhelmingly oppose any such proposal, and I second this opposition. These lands not only constitute an important and unique ecosystem and wildlife habitat, but they also provide our nation with opportunities for outdoor recreation, hunting and fishing.
With global warming and the growing population in Idaho, environmental pressures are on the rise. Development of currently protected lands does not make environmental or practical sense. The prospect of exposing our magnificent forests to road construction, logging, and potential industrial development such as phosphate mining is unacceptable.
I urge you to keep the present protections intact so that the wild qualities of Idaho's roadless forests are protected for generations to come.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
