After a three-year plan to develop a scientifically based policy for managing our national forests, history has been made. President Clinton announced one of the largest conservation acts in U.S. history by signing a rule to protect 60 million acres of wild forests in 39 states. This rule, which bans road building in the last unprotected areas of our national forests, serves as a milestone in preserving our last unspoiled areas for generations to come.
Currently, however, Clinton’s roadless policy is under attack by several Western senators who are looking to President-elect George Bush to overturn this rule. Undoubtedly Bush would make a serious political mistake if he defeats this historic policy.
Forest protection is not a partisan or regional debate. Poll after poll indicates that Americans support this initiative. During this year’s presidential campaign, President-elect Bush has expressed opposition to Clinton’s roadless policy. But if President-elect Bush wants to reach across the political aisle, he will need to support this historic policy to protect our forests. After all of the evidence of American enthusiasm in forest protection, it would be unfair if Bush succumbs to the timber industry at the expense of the environment and the American people.
