Contact Information

  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire responds to Bush administration proposal to open up national forest roadless areas

For Immediate Release: May 5, 2005

OLYMPIA - May 5, 2005 - Gov. Christine Gregoire today issued a statement in response to the Bush administration�s proposal to open up 58.5 million acres of national forests to road building, logging and other commercial ventures. The administration has given governors 18 months to submit petitions to the U.S. Forest Service, either supporting the old plan from the Clinton administration to stop development, or calling for new plans to allow it.

Washington has 9,214,000 acres of national forestland. Of that, 2,015,000 are currently within the roadless-area rule, or 22 percent of all the state�s national forestland.

Here is the governor�s statement:

�We value our national forest roadless areas in Washington state. They are important habitat for endangered fish and wildlife, help provide clean water and opportunities for recreation and solitude, and contribute to the wonderful natural environment we enjoy in the Pacific Northwest. We hope to have most, if not all, of our national forest roadless areas in Washington protected.�

�We will analyze the rule and its impact on Washington. The proposal will have tremendous impact on our region and I fully expect to comment on the administration's plan.�