Sam Farr: “I would again like to comment and inquire as to the intent of the release language of this bill. Is it meaningless as…”

“I would again like to comment and inquire as to the intent of the release language of this bill. Is it meaningless as some claim or it is meaningful? It is my understanding that the roadless areas being released in this bill would be managed under current forest management plans. The problem, we all know, is that there is uncertainty about the validity of current forest plans. These plans were developed during the mid-1980's and in large part mirror the objectives of the logging industry. Several forest supervisors in Montana, including John Mumma and Orvill Daniels, have stated that full implementation of current forest management plans would require the violation of Federal environmental laws including the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act and the National Forest Management Act. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that the Flathead National Forest plan in Montana is illegal and that its logging levels are 'arbitrary and capricious'. I would like to thank Chairman Vento for our colloquy last week during which he said that wilderness designation of the released roadless areas would be considered only when the forest plans are revised. It is clear that these forest plans need revision and I believe that many of these plans will be up for review within the next 2 years.”