USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack has extended a directive that gives him sole power to approve logging or road project in National Forests while the Obama Administration decides how to handle the Clinton-era roadless rule. "While the courts continue to wrestle with roadless policy, I will continue to work with the USDA Forest Service to ensure we protect roadless areas on our National Forests," said Secretary Vilsack. "Renewing this interim directive reflects President Obama's commitment to protecting our forests by ensuring that all projects in roadless areas receive a higher level of scrutiny.
The directive provides decision-making authority to the Secretary over proposed forest management or road construction projects in inventoried roadless areas. Because the courts are divided on the legality of the 2001 Rules, this directive ensures a consistent national review of all proposed projects.
Last summer the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the 2001 Roadless Rule. The Rule is currently under appeal in the 10th Circuit.
Posted: 06/01/2010
