05.10.01

Statement on the Idaho Court's Roadless Forest Protection Rule Decision

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) expressed her "disappointment" in the Idaho District Court's decision to delay the implementation of the Roadless Forest Protection Rule. Cantwell, a Senate leader on the rule, called on Attorney General John Ashcroft to keep his commitment to vigorously defend the rule by immediately appealing the Judge's decision to the 9th Circuit Court. "I am disappointed, but not surprised, by the Idaho Court's decision," Cantwell said. "It is my hope that Attorney General John Ashcroft will immediately appeal this decision to the 9th Circuit Court and vigorously defend the rule as he has pledged to do throughout this process."

The Roadless Forest Protection Rule simply precludes new road construction on 58 million acres of public land. The Roadless Forest Protection Rule preserves open space for recreational uses, including hunting, fishing, mountain biking and snowmobiling; protects watersheds that are sources of clean drinking water; and keeps intact pristine habitat for fish and wildlife. The rule has the full force and effect of law.