From:  http://ens.lycos.com/e-wire/Nov99/11nov9902.html
REP AMERICA Supports Protection of National Forest Roadless Areas

DEERFIELD, IL Nov 11, -/E-Wire/-- REP AMERICA, the national grass-roots
organization of Republicans for Environmental Protection, and the
environmental conscience of the Republican Party, supports the
administration's efforts to protect national forest roadless areas from
logging roads and other commercial development.

Protecting these pristine areas is the right thing to do, both
environmentally and fiscally, said Dr. Martha Marks, President of REP.
"Nearly a century ago, conservative and visionary Republican Theodore
Roosevelt had the foresight to set aside forests for the benefit of
future generations. It is now our generation's responsibility to
continue carrying forward his conservative environmental vision," Marks
said.

Roadless areas total 60 million acres, one-third of the national forest
system. These areas are important environmental and recreation assets,
but are not legally protected from exploitation. They could be opened to
subsidized commercial logging and other development if some
anti-environmental members of Congress have their way.

The roadless areas are far more valuable for their environmental and
recreation values than for timber cutting, Dr. Marks said. "National
forest roadless areas are sources of clean drinking water, help prevent
flooding, clean the air, provide homes for endangered fish and wildlife,
and are scenic attractions for our families and children," she said.

Marks said that national forests are wonderful places to escape from our
harried lives in the cities. "The national forests receive three times
the number of visitors that our national parks get. People come to the
forests for sightseeing, camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and other
recreation."

Protecting roadless forest areas is good for the taxpayers. Timber sales
are subsidized by the federal government, corporate welfare which costs
taxpayers millions per year "The Forest Service has an $8.4 billion
maintenance backlog on its 400,000 miles of existing roads. Sixty
percent of existing roads are not maintained to public safety and
environmental standards. The federal government loses millions of
dollars every year on timber sales. Why should we fund more money-losing
roads in the forests for more money-losing timber sales?" Marks said.

Polls show that Americans across the political spectrum want wild lands
protected, Marks pointed out. For example, a recent survey by Republican
pollster Frank Luntz showed that 88 percent of Americans are worried
that special places may be lost unless we act to protect them. It's time
that the politicians in Washington listened to their constituents
instead of special interests on this issue.

SOURCE: REP AMERICA

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