"In recent years, the Forest Service has flagrantly abused its discretion by misinterpreting the Eastern Wilderness Act and incorrectly applying ad hoc guidelines," Furnish writes in the report, titled Eastern Roadless Areas Under Threat. "This has resulted in an inconsistent approach (and) raised questions about the agency's credibility and stewardship."
"The Forest Service is putting the environment at risk by placing exploitation of public lands ahead of stewardship," said Robert Vandermark, co-director of the Heritage Forests Campaign. "From the lake states to the Appalachians and into New England, the trend has been to minimize and reduce roadless areas and wilderness recommendations."
Conservationists say the White House has exacerbated the threat by proposing to eliminate National Forests protections currently in place under the Roadless Rule. The Administration's plan eviscerates current forests protections, and instead allows state and local politicians to either petition for protection of roadless areas in their states -- or for more logging, mining and drilling.
The Roadless Rule was finalized in Jan. 2001 after years of scientific study, 600 local public hearings and meetings and a record number of public comments. Prior to the current public comment period, the Forest Service received 2.5 million comments in favor of the rule. The Rule protects 58.5 million acres nationwide, while allowing temporary road construction in order to fight wildfires, ensure public safety, and protect forest health. The Rule ensures that national forests will continue to provide habitat for fish and wildlife, clean drinking water for millions of Americans, and endless opportunities for recreation.