2005 Roadless Area Conservation Rule
The Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2005
On July 28, 2005, U.S. Rep Jay Inslee (D-WA) and Science Committee Chairman Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) introduced legislation to restore protections to roadless areas in America’s national forests.
Said Inslee, “Americans have overwhelmingly expressed their preference for preserving these pristine roadless areas. ... Instead of clear-cutting these forests with chainsaws, we should be preserving these crown jewels in our national heritage for future generations. We should also address the backlog of existing road projects in our national forests instead of giving road construction subsidies at the expense of American taxpayers.”
Chairman Boehlert added, “ National forests are assets of concern to citizens throughout the United States, because they belong to all of us. By protecting currently roadless areas in national forests, we can ensure that they will continue to provide sources of clean drinking water, undisturbed habitats for fish and wildlife, and recreational opportunities.”
The bill would prohibit most new road construction in roadless areas, but would allow road building for fire fighting, fuel reduction and when other natural disasters threaten public safety. The bill also allows full access for recreational activities such as backpacking, camping, hunting and fishing.