Tom Vilsack actually said...

"This is one of those issues that you are confronting where you are trying to balance a variety of needs and requirements."

"We feel we are on solid ground. We feel that there is adequate factual and legal basis for us doing this."

"U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has acknowledged the Oak Flat area as a 'special place' that should be protected from harm 'for future generations.'"

"We prevent wildfires. We promote healthy forests by timbering, and we promote robust rural economies."