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Protect Large Roadless Areas

by REP Director Dr. Phil Pryde
statement at a public hearing on protecting roadless areas, San Diego; June 29, 2000

Good evening:

Thank you for the opportunity to express support for conserving the remaining roadless areas in our national forests throughout the country. I am representing myself and Republicans for Environmental Protection.

Our organization strongly encourages you to chose Alternative 2 in the draft EIS, but we want it to include roadless areas of 1000 acres or more. The reasons discussed in the draft EIS for protecting 5000 acres or more apply just as well to the smaller acreage.

We also strongly support the alternative which protects roadless areas in Alaska's Tongass National Forest.

You have heard much about the inability of the Forest Service to fund maintenance of existing roads, so it seems senseless to authorize areas for further road construction.

It's also a shame that less than 2% of our national forest acreage in SC is roadless. There should be no doubt in your minds that no new roads should be constructed in these areas.

The people of America own the National Forests, not the timber and mining corporations who already receive substantial government subsidies paid for by us all. Americans don't want our national forests to be pine tree farms but want them to be true forests, protective of natural habit and biodiversity, kept available for recreation, and maintained for their environmental protection uses. In a society that is rapidly losing open space and natural forests, it is extremely important for the Forest Service to increase its efforts to protect the natural character of our National Forests.

The Forest Service should recognize the priorities of most Americans and increase its efforts to conserve areas that provide opportunities for undisturbed solitude with nature which nourishes our souls and health. As much as possible of the citizens' forests throughout our country should be protected for enjoyment by everyone and not for exploitation by a few.