Nearly 60 million acres of forest won complete protection from human interference under the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation rule—no roads, no logging, and no industrial activity. But due to a series of unfortunate events, the law was never fully implemented. President Obama said he would be “proud to support and defend” the rule during his campaign, and now conservation groups—including the Sierra Club—are launching an advertising campaign to remind him of his commitment.
“President Obama,” reads one ad designed to resemble a plaque, “In recognition of your commitment to protect National Forest Roadless Areas we hereby thank you…and now it’s time to finish the job.”
The administration has announced that for the next year Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will personally review all proposed development in designated roadless areas. But this is far from the protection that the original 2001 rule afforded; the forest service has already approved several timber sales in Alaska's Tongass National Forest, and several others are under active consideration.
To sign a letter urging the president to uphold the roadless forests rule, click here.
--Sarah F. Kessler
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