Ending Wilderness Protection for AZ Forests?
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
PHOENIX - A million acres of Arizona's national forests would be opened up to industrial development and off-road vehicle use under a bill being considered in the U.S. House. The lands are currently being studied for possible wilderness designation by the U.S. Forest Service.
Outdoor Industry Association CEO Frank Hugelmeyer says he's testifying against the bill. He thinks the measure tilts too far in favor of industrial uses.
"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, like the outdoor industry."
Hugelmeyer says America's healthiest economies balance multiple uses, like mining and logging, with recreation and tourism. Nationwide, the bill would roll back protections for some 58 million acres of roadless national forest land.
Arizona Wildlife Federation board member Ben Alteneder says the roadless designation has two purposes, but is mainly aimed at preventing new roads in potential wilderness areas.
"Try to help the Forest (Service) manage the roads they already have, get them under control. And another is to stop the 'wildcat' roads that are being developed."
He says the "wildcat" roads lead to soil erosion and destruction of wildlife habitat.
Alteneder says it can take many years for a hunter to obtain a big game tag, and ending the roadless restrictions can spoil what may be the hunt of a lifetime.
"And some yahoo drives by and there's your hunt, spoiled. Roadless areas are one of the key protections for solitude, for hunting experience, and they also provide a lot of habitat protection."
The bill would remove the authority of the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to identify and protect lands for potential future wilderness without going through a local land-use plan.
The bills are HR 1581 and S 1087.
get more stories like this via email
Health and Wellness
A recent report examined how some rural Tennessee hospitals have managed to stay afloat despite financial challenges. The report includes interviews …
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…
Social Issues
A mix of policy updates and staffing boosts has helped to put wage theft enforcement on the radar in Minnesota, and officials leading the efforts are …
Social Issues
Colorado is working to boost the state's agricultural communities by getting more fresh, nutritious foods into school cafeterias - and a new online …
Social Issues
Missouri lawmakers are concerned with protecting people from the potential risks of the increasing accessibility of AI-generated images and videos…