Giving Away West Virginia's Great Outdoors?
Thursday, August 11, 2011
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Public lands are not for sale. That's the message from sportsmen and conservationists about what they're calling the "Great Outdoors Giveaway:" legislation to remove federal environmental protections from 60 million acres of public land. The land is now designated as Forest Service roadless areas and BLM wilderness study areas, and the legislation would open those lands to development and off-road vehicle use.
That doesn't sit well with sportsmen, according to Frank Hugelmeyer, CEO of the Outdoor Industry Association.
"It's harmful legislation that makes a sweeping decision on all wilderness study areas and roadless areas without a full understanding of the consequences on communities and industries, such as the outdoor industry."
West Virginia now has about 200,000 acres of roadless areas, largely in the Monongahela National Forest. Those in favor of the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act (H.R. 1581) say the government has tied up land that could otherwise be used to create jobs.
Hugelmeyer says every member of the U.S. House needs a reminder that those protected lands are in full use already and are already directly connected to jobs.
"They have designated a wide array of recreational zones, from multi-use high-access trails to roadless and wilderness areas. Preserving this diverse public infrastructure enables the American public to choose from the widest selection of experiences and adventures. And this is good for business."
Hugelmeyer points out that if the bill passes, only 12 percent of Forest Service and BLM lands would be off-limits to developers. It would also prohibit the BLM from identifying any new areas as potential wilderness.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…
Social Issues
Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …
Social Issues
Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …
Environment
New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …
Social Issues
Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …
Social Issues
Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…