WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Mark Green (R-Green Bay) said a proposed rule released by the U.S. Forest Service Tuesday leaves many unanswered questions regarding the future of forest access in northeastern Wisconsin – questions that could seriously affect the future of area communities.

"Keeping our forests open to all and maintaining current multiple-use policy is essential to preserving our way of life in northeastern Wisconsin," Green said. "I’m afraid this proposal leaves too many troubling questions that could have a negative effect on our communities."

Green said the precise implications of the new plan or the area remain unclear. He explained that the proposed rule would place a ban on building roads in so-called "RARE II" (Roadless Area Review and Evaluation) areas – spaces designated as "roadless" during inventories of National Forests during the late 1970s. The plan would also open other areas up for review, giving the Forest Service the ability to redesignate new areas as "roadless," thereby prohibiting the building of new roads in those areas as well.

"We need to take a long hard look at this proposal and determine what the effects will be," Green said. "It’s tough to say at this point specifically what it will bring, but I will be ready to fight against any plan that would threaten the livelihoods of families in forest communities."

Green heard comments on proposed new forest rules at two town meetings he held in Eagle River and Wabeno in February.

"There’s obviously a very high level of concern on this issue among folks in our area," Green said. "We had hundreds of people come to our town meetings to speak out against any Forest Service plan that would threaten the successful multiple-use forest policy we enjoy today. We have to be prepared to speak out again, loud and clear."

Green also said people concerned about the rule should attend upcoming public hearings in the area. The first will be held in Crandon on May 24, the second will be held in Crandon on June 20. The final rule is expected to be released later this year.