WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 1999--This is the beginning of the end of the road building era by the Forest Service. Chief Dombeck is to be commended for recognizing the many significant values of roadless areas and moving to protect them.
The Forest Service's 60 million acres of roadless areas are the last unprotected reservoirs of pristine scenic wilderness. They provide vital habitat for threatened and endangered birds and other wildlife. Roadless areas are important economically, ensuring clean drinking water and providing unparalleled recreational opportunities.
Clearly, the Forest Service is moving to get out of the business of building roads and in moving to protect roadless areas. The Forest Service road building program is a classic example of a federal program run amuck. Forest Service roads could circle the globe 15 times. That's enough!
We call on the Clinton Administration to preserve the remaining 60 million roadless acres as wilderness in their final policy. It is an exciting conservation challenge. It is an opportunity for President Clinton to leave a lasting legacy.