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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Giving Away West Virginia's Great Outdoors?

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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.



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