News Archive
For the most recent news from HFC, please go to our site front page.
When we say roadless, we mean BUSINESS!
Our last remaining pristine roadless areas are America's playground and offer some of the most amazing recreation destinations in the country. These national forest lands are good for business and need protection from commercial interests such as mining, logging and road-building. A study by the Outdoor Industry Association estimates that outdoor business and recreation contribute $730 billion to the U.S. economy every year.
Recently, legislation has been introduced in both houses of Congress that would protect 58.5 million acres of wild roadless areas. Outdoor businesses have played an integral part in conserving these valuable recreation lands and it is important to continue to demonstrate this support.
Find out more about roadless areas and their importance to outdoor recreation and businesses.
Statement: Judge Brimmer's Denial of Wyoming's Motion to Reinstate a Nationwide Injunction on the 2001 Roadless Rule
On June 8th, Judge Brimmer of the U.S. District Court for the District of Wyoming denied the State of Wyoming's motion to reinsetate his prior ruling and nationwide injunction of the 2001 roadless rule. As a result, Judge Brimmer's ruling confirms that the Roadless Area Conservation Rule remains the law of the land. Read HFC's Statement
House and Senate Introduce Legislation to Protect Our Last Wild Forests
More than 140 House Democrats and Republicans, led by Reps. Jay Inslee (D-WA), Christopher Shays (R-CT), George Miller (D-CA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Jim Ramstad (R-MN) introduced legislation today that would provide permanent protection for 58.5 million acres of pristine forest land in 39 states. This would include 9.3 million acres of North America's only coastal temperate rainforest — Alaska's Tongass National Forest. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John Warner (R-VA), along with 16 of their colleagues, introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
Congressional efforts today represent the will of the American people and sound science — ensuring a natural legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Conservation Groups Seek Extended Public Comment Period for Idaho's Roadless Plan
In a letter sent to the U.S. Forest Service, conservation organizations throughout the country are calling for an extension of the brief 30-day public comment period on the management of more than nine million acres of intact roadless forest in the state of Idaho. Read HFC's press release or find out more:
Colorado Governor Submits Roadless Petition
Colorado Governor Bill Ritter has submitted recommendations to the U.S. Forest Service for the management of roadless areas in Colorado. Governor Ritter's decision follows the Bush administration's continued efforts to undermine roadless area conservation through legal action but aims too low in terms of protecting Colorado's roadless areas. Read HFC's statement or find out more:
Statement: U.S. Forest Service Moving Forward on Idaho's Roadless Petition
The U.S. Forest Service announced its intent to begin a new federal rule to replace existing protections of national forest roadless areas in the state of Idaho. This is the first state-specific federal rulemaking on the management of national roadless areas. Read HFC's statement. More information.
Bush Administration Appeals Roadless Court Ruling
The Bush administration filed an appeal with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals challenging a judgment that affirmed the status of legal protections for inventoried roadless areas in national forests. This final judgment also enjoined the U.S. Forest Service from taking any further action contrary to the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Read HFC's statement.
Utah Governor Pulls a U-Turn on Roadless Forest Protections
Utah Governor Jon Huntsman has indicated that he will abandon his plan to petition the Forest Service to lift protections from Utah's more than 4 million acres of roadless federal forest land. Had it succeeded, this effort would have left Utah's roadless national forest land vulnerable to development, mining and road construction.
Find out more.
Ruling: Judge Stops Projects that Violate 2001 Roadless Rule
Judge Elizabeth LaPorte, Magistrate for the U.S. District Court for Northern California, issued an injunction November 29th halting all activities inconsistent with the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Find out more.
Court Reinstates Roadless Rule
A California federal judge has reinstated the 2001 Roadless Rule, throwing out the Bush administration's plan to weaken protections for our national forests. The decision protects approximately 50 million acres of National Forest roadless areas. If challenged, it will go before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Read the decision [PDF], HFC's statement, or legal documents related to the case:
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