THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP ON THE TONGASS!

We have just learned that the amendment to strike the Tongass
Anti-Wilderness language from the Omnibus Appropriations bill will not
be offered.  Despite literally tens of thousands of messages reaching
the Senate via calls, emails, faxes and visits - we were unable to
defeat the rider. As the Senate continued to move through consideration
of the sweeping bill, it became apparent that there would not be enough
time to secure the votes needed to win.

The good news is that in addition to the overwhelming support from
across the country and Senator Boxer's leadership, the Tongass issue
received good attention in the media. Senator Boxer is also expected to
make a floor statement that will help in our effort to expose the
anti-wilderness shenanigans on Capitol Hill. (We will be sure to share
her statement with you as soon as she presents it.)

The Alaska delegation in the Senate and their anti-wilderness supporters
may have won this battle through backdoor attempts, but we won't give
up. The Forest Service is expected to release its final decision on the
Tongass Wilderness review in late February. Early indications are that
their final decision will mirror (or closely resemble) the draft review
which recommended no new wilderness areas in the Tongass. And while
Senator Ted Stevens' rider denies us the right to appeal or seek
judicial review in the courts, we will win the battle in the court of
public opinion and continue to fight the good fight to protect the
America's rainforest!

Thank you again!

Laurie Cooper
Forest Outreach Director
Alaska Coalition
122 C Street, NW - Suite 240
Washington, DC 20001
(202)544-0475, Fax: (202)544-5197

Visit us on the web www.alaskacoalition.org!





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