July 12, 2004-- The Department of Agriculture announced in a press conference in Idaho today an "interim directive to conserve roadless areas that were afforded protection by the 2001 rule" in National Parks. This is a proposal; a final rule has not yet been established.
The announcement, made by Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, relates directly to the 2001 rule which has since been under litigation in Alaska, Idaho, Utah, North Dakota, Wyoming and the District of Columbia, according to a news release. The rule was struck down in June 2003 with conclusions that is violated the National Environmental Protection Act and the Wilderness Act, according to the USDA release.
"The new rule sets a new, straightforward collaborative path to conserving roadless areas by working with the states on state-specific regulations," the release said. The proposed rule sets up a process for the Forest Service and governors to work together to form locally-supported rules.
"The new proposal would offer the governors the opportunity to work with USDA on collaborative state-specific rulemakings for the conservation and management of roadless areas ."
The rule would affect 58.5 million acres of land. Each state will inventory the roadless areas in their National Parks so that Governors can seek individual rules for managing particular roadless areas.
The opportunity for states to petition areas will be available for 18 months following the effective date of the final rule. Veneman also proposed establishing a national advisory committee for this state-specific petition process intended to include experts in fish and wildlife fields, outdoor recreation and other related disciplines.
There will be a 60-day public comment period on this proposed rule. More information and the rule itself can be found at
www.fs.fed.us. The Forest Service will issue a final rule after it evaluates public comments, according to the release.