Environment and You

The “New Rule” Under Question

By Joe Prebich, 9-14-05

Things get dicey when Montanans start talking about land. We love it, and guard it ruthlessly. From our wide open spaces to our access of rivers. This debate, the push and pull between industry and envorinmentalists, locals and tourists, has even piqued the interest of the New York Times.

But for most the land and the environment is why Montana became out home. That is why we are here, for the views, the outdoors and the land. Last nightas part of the Northern Rocky Nature Forum held at the University, former US Rep. Pat Williams, sharply criticized Bush and his administration's policies concerning our envirnment. Here is an excerpt from the Kaimin article:

“It seems to me that given budget concerns, congressional interference, too few staff, the Forest Service is incapable of stewarding your lands,� Williams said.

Williams was one of three panelists who spoke and took questions at the forum. Also speaking were Gloria Flora, the director of Obtainable Sustainable Solutions and former director of the Lewis and Clark National Forest, and Bob Clark, assistant representative for the Sierra Club in Missoula.

The panel converged to discuss the most recent actions taken by the Bush administration and the Forest Service that puts millions of acres designated roadless by the Clinton administration in jeopardy.

Most recently, the Bush administration has created “The New Rule,� which delegates the responsibility of determining the fate of roadless lands to the state governors.Clark said that a large amount of the disputed land lies near Missoula. One example west of town is the Lolo Creek area, which includes a section of land that developers have proposed to be part of a new ski resort. He also said the Rocky Mountain Front, which oil developers have long been eyeing for natural gas exploration, are protected under the original Clinton plan.

Get the rest here.

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By Joe Prebich, 9-14-05 | add comment | email story | print story