A decision from the Obama administration to issue a “timeout” on development of inventoried roadless areas was lauded by prominent outdoor-oriented groups, including OIA, The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Outdoor Alliance, and the Izaak Walton League of America.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a directive requiring high-level review of proposed backcountry development until permanent rules for these areas management can be resolved. This memorandum from the Agriculture Department establishes the secretarys “decision making authority over the construction and reconstruction of roads and the cutting, sale or removal of timber in inventoried roadless areas on certain lands administered by the Forest Service.”
“Every American who appreciates and enjoys the vast range of amenities provided by our nations outdoors has reason to support todays decision by the administration,” said Thomas OKeefe, Pacific Northwest stewardship director for American Whitewater and OA roadless campaign director. “Whether they are climbers, hikers, backcountry skiers, mountain bikers or paddlers, outdoor recreationists agree that our national forest roadless areas play a crucial role in enabling and upholding our countrys outdoor traditions.”
“Were pleased that the administration has elected to undertake this action and affirm its support of responsible management of inventoried roadless areas,” said Joel Webster, TRCP associate director of campaigns, “and we look forward to working with Secretary Vilsack and the Department of Agriculture in ensuring that Americas outdoor traditions, including hunting and angling, are sustained by conserving these important backcountry public lands.”
Close to 60 million acres of roadless areas are encompassed within Americas national forests and grasslands. A series of conflicting court decisions regarding the 2001 roadless rule have left management of these areas unsettled for years. Many outdoors-oriented groups support national legislation that conserves Americas backcountry lands and the fish and wildlife, sporting and recreational resources they sustain.
