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2001 RESOLUTIONS


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FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS







RESOLUTION #5:  ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION POLICY

A sweeping change to federal management and protection of our national forests was entered into the Federal Register on January 5th, 2001 which protected remaining roadless areas.  This decision resulted from a culmination of federal and private scientific studies and the work of many private citizens and environmental groups.  An unprecedented public hearing process supported the decision.
Over 1.6 million Americans commented on the policy.  With this exceptional public forum, the decision process provided more than ample opportunity for hearing and considering all views affecting the decision.  An overwhelming majority of comments were in favor of complete and permanent protection of all remaining roadless area in our national forests.
Now the current administration, despite past pledges, has failed to adequately defend the Roadless Area Conservation Policy in court; and, in fact is planning to reopen the decision making process.  The expressed intent is to alter the policy that so many Americans have worked for and support.  This is a blatant attempt to overrule the conservation wishes of a vast majority in favor of a very narrow minority of interests, primarily in logging and mining industries.  At taxpayer expense, these industries have profited from favored and subsidized access to public lands and now have a disproportionate influence on our public land policy.

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs:
1) opposes reopening the comment or hearing process for the ROADLESS AREA CONSERVATION POLICY, Record of Decision, as published in the Federal Register on January 5th, 2001.  The F.W.O.C. endorses the policy and calls upon the current federal administration to enthusiastically defend all legal challenges to the decision.  We urge the administration to disregard influence of narrow financial interests and to act for the well being and health of our national forests that so many Americans support.  We expect the administration to comply with the decision and to fully support its implementation.

2) urges its member clubs and members to contact their elected representatives to express support for the Roadless Policy Decision as it stands and to oppose any changes.  Please write to your elected officials, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and  Chief, U.S.. Forest Service, Dale Bosworth, as well as contacting local forest service supervisors.






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