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Montage of Wing Point in Bainbridge Island and the Edmonds Ferry.

Jay Inslee: Washington's 1st Congressional District

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Inslee and Boehlert Re-introduce Roadless Legislation to Protect America's Last Pristine Forests

6 June, 2003

U.S. Reps. Jay Inslee (D-WA), Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) and other Members and environmental groups announced today the introduction of the National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act at a "Roll-Out" event on Capitol Hill. This bi-partisan legislation, supported by over 150 original cosponsors, will make the “Roadless Rule” into federal law. U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Warner introduced companion legislation in the Senate today as well.

“The National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act ensures strong protection for America’s last pristine forest lands,” said Inslee. “Loud and clear, Americans have called on the federal government for strong protection of their national forests, yet from Alaska to Virginia, the Roadless rule is under threat on a number of fronts. Whether it be from threat of judicial action or administrative ruling, protecting America’s Roadless areas should continue to be the law of the land, unwavering under political winds from Washington, D.C. Congress cannot allow the Roadless rule to be undermined.”

Inslee further explained, “Roadless areas make up only two percent of the lands in the continental U.S. but provide incalculable benefits. These lands preserve our nation's vital sources of clean water; provide critical wildlife habitat to more than 1,600 threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant and animal species; and offer unparalleled recreational opportunities. Our bi-partisan legislation provides lasting protection for America’s Roadless areas. We look forward to ensuring America’s Roadless areas remain protected.”

The administration has indicated it plans to propose changes to the Roadless rule; Inslee’s and Boehlert’s legislation would ensure that the Roadless rule remains the law of the land. This environmental legislation would protect nearly sixty million acres of pristine National Forest lands from logging, mining, and drilling, except in cases where the logging is necessary to protect forest health, to improve habitat for endangered species or to reduce fire danger. The lands will remain open for recreational use including hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and the use of snowmobiles and dirtbikes.