Letter: Roadless Rule is crucial to keep

Tuesday, July 20, 2004 | 8:42 a.m.

The mountains, meadows, canyons and deserts within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest provide endless vacation and weekend recreation for the people of Nevada. Its 5,833,000 acres make it the largest forest in the lower 48 states.

Unfortunately, the Bush administration has chosen to overturn the Roadless Rule, which will result in the reduction of fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping amidst the expansive beauty provided by this national treasure ("Administration proposes new logging rules," July 12).

Of its nearly 6 million acres, 3,186,000 are protected by the Roadless Rule. This rule, which has already been supported by a record-breaking 2.5 million public comments, ensures that our national forests will continue to provide clean drinking water, habitat for wildlife, and endless opportunities for recreation and solitude.

Among the many environmental and public health initiatives that the Bush administration has already weakened, repealing this highly popular conservation initiative, despite public support, is the next target. It's clear that when the extractive industries say "cut," the Bush administration asks "how much?"

It's well past time for the administration to start protecting America's last wild forests instead of continuing to pander to the timber industry. Without keeping this rule intact, places such as Nevada's Angel Creek Campground -- a haven for relaxation amongst a grove of aspen trees -- may no longer exist. Dropping their dangerous proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule is imperative to maintaining the jewels of Nevada.

HEATHER LIBERMAN

Editor's note: Heather Liberman, based in Washington, D.C., works for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group as the coordinator for issues affecting Nevada.