WASHINGTON, DC -- Idaho Senator Larry Craig reacted today to Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck's announcement, finalizing the interim rule regarding the 18 month moratorium on entering roadless areas.

"Over 13 months ago Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck proposed, without consulting Congress, what was to be an interim, 18 month moratorium on entering roadless areas. This impulsive decision, implemented immediately, has been widely unpopular and severely disrupted Idaho's rural communities.

"The moratorium was supposed to be replaced by a long-term transportation plan to manage the Forest Service transportation system in a fashion sensitive to the public's desire for access to the nation's forests. Today, after sitting on his hands for 13 months with the moratorium in effect, Chief Dombeck called a press conference to say that he will sit on his hands for the next 18 months as well. I am very frustrated that the Forest Service is no further along in developing its long-term transportation policy than it was a year ago. Chief Dombeck should stop these irresponsible acts. The Forest Service needs a Chief who lives in the real world and solves problems in real time."