Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today applauded the decision by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide interim protections for nearly 60 million acres of special national forest land. 

In 2001, the Clinton administration put into effect a rule to protect the remaining ‘roadless’ areas in our National Forests.  The Bush administration soon overturned the rule.  Lawsuits challenging both the Clinton and Bush rules remain in the courts, leaving no national policy on managing roadless areas. 

Today, Vilsack temporarily reinstated important protections for roadless areas, requiring secretarial approval for any road construction and timber harvesting in the roadless areas.  In the coming months, the administration will work to develop a permanent policy. 

“I welcome Secretary Vilsack’s clear message protecting unspoiled areas in our National Forests.  While no rule can perfectly satisfy everyone, the roadless rule struck a chord with Americans who want to ensure that the few remaining protected areas in these forests will be there for the enjoyment of their children and grandchildren.  My colleagues and I will continue to work with President Obama and Secretary Vilsack to support important conservation policies,” Bingaman said.  “This common sense directive will help ensure that the remaining wild areas in our National Forests stay protected until pending litigation and rule-makings are resolved.”

Bingaman and 24 other senators wrote to Vilsack on March 12 urging him to institute the protections announced today.