Houston Regional Group - News

On May 24, 2007, 140 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 16 members of the U.S. Senate introduced roadless legislation in the U.S. Congress. The National Forest Roadless Area Conservation Act in the House and the Roadless Area Conservation Act of 2007 in the Senate will legislatively codify the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule that President Clinton approved before leaving office and which has been the subject of litigation for the past 6 years.

If approved, this bill will provide additional environmental protection for 58.5 million acres of roadless lands (including 9.3 million acres of coastal temperate rainforest in Alaska's Tongass National Forest) in the national forest system. About 4,000 acres of roadless lands exist in the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, all in the Sam Houston National Forest, and include the Big Woods, Little Lake Creek, Winters Bayou, and Big Creek Roadless Areas.

Roadless areas provide protection for surface and ground drinking waters; protect communities from floods and droughts; provide fish and wildlife habitat; and allow for compatible recreation including hiking, wildlife observation, nature study, camping, picnicking, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Most logging and oil/gas exploitation will not be allowed in roadless areas because these actions require roads. Some exceptions in the bill which allow road construction or logging include those needed to protect public health and safety due to catastrophic events; required for superfund clean-ups; endangered species habitat; or to reduce wildfire risk.

Members should write their U.S. Senators (U.S. Senate, Washington, D.C. 20510) and Representative (U.S. House of Representatives) and request their support and co-sponsorship for these roadless bills.

For more information contact Brandt Mannchen at 713-664-5962 or brandtshnfbt@juno.com .

July 2007

Last updated:  06/02/2007.   Content © 1999-2007 by the Sierra Club.