County Commissioners Protecting America's Natural Resources 

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What county officials say about roadless protection

"The current Forest Service's Roadless Area Conservation Rule should stand as it is currently written.  Last summer, I attended the public hearing in Bellingham, Washington regarding the proposed roadless policy.  The public support for the roadless policy at that meeting in a western timber county was overwhelmingly in favor.  Nearly all those who spoke at the hearing were local Whatcom County citizens.  The few people I saw who spoke against the roadless policy were all from outside the area." 

Councilmember Dan McShane, Whatcom County  WA

"With respect to the 'Ten Questions,' I provide the following responses.  While I appreciate the challenges of forest management, these questions would appear to be oriented toward justifying a diminution of the protection of Roadless Areas.  The balancing of interests that is suggested is already inherent in retaining 69% of forest lands outside of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, and no further relaxation of the current Rule should be allowed." 

Supervisor Steve Bennett, District 1, Santa Barbara County  CA

"Remember, the natural environment belongs to all of us, and I am against allowing a few to deprive the majority of what is rightfully ours.  Let's protect this fragile and important part of the environment for the good of all people." 

Commissioner Joe Bowser, Durham County  NC

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Masthead photo credits: Rolf Sklar, Curtis J. Carley FWS, NOAA