Pew Statement on Bush Effort to Open Tongass National Forest To Logging

Washington , DC - 01/25/2008 - Robert Vandermark, manager of the Pew Environment Group's Heritage Forests Campaign, today issued the following statement in response to the release of the Bush administration's Land Management Plan for the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.

"In its final months, the Bush administration is attempting to give logging and mining industries the keys to the Tongass National Forest - the world's largest intact temperate rainforest.

"Wild areas like the Tongass contain watersheds that provide clean drinking water, wildlife habitat and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities that should be kept safe for generations to come.

"Today's decision in Alaska, coupled with recent attempts to open pristine backcountry in Idaho and Colorado to industrial development, underscore the need for reliable, nationally consistent protections for all of America's last roadless areas. Because once they're gone, they're gone forever."

For more information, please visit http://www.ourforests.org

The Heritage Forests Campaign is an alliance of conservationists, wildlife advocates, clergy, educators, scientists, and other Americans working together to uphold protection of our National Forests. The Heritage Forests Campaign is a project of the Pew Environment Group http://www.pewtrusts.org.

Source: Pew

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