COEJL ACTION ALERT:

Protect Our Forests: Oppose Repeal of Roadless Rule
(05/24/2005)

The Bush Administration earlier this month replaced a landmark measure to protect nearly 60 million acres of National Forests – the Roadless Area Conservation Rule of 2001 – with a flawed state petition process which may lead to the loss of some of our greatest natural treasures.

The Scriptures make clear that protecting God’s forests – and the many aspects of creation they encompass – is both sound policy and a holy obligation. We are taught that the Earth does not belong to us, but to God, and that we are the tenants charged with its care. God instructed the Israelites, “The land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants” (Leviticus 25:23), and the psalmist declares, “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it” (Psalm 24:1-2).

Find your Governor ’s address and phone number here.

Sample Letter to Your Governor

Dear Governor,

With the Administration’s recent repeal of the Roadless Rule, it is now up to you to protect our state’s precious forests. Roadless areas are a part of our state’s natural legacy. They provide clean drinking water for hundreds of communities, undisturbed fish and wildlife habitat, and boundless opportunities for outdoor recreation and spiritual renewal.

As a constituent and an active member of the Jewish community, I view caring for our forests -- one of the greatest gifts of creation -- an important moral and religious obligation. Leviticus 25:23 teaches us that “The Land must not be sold beyond reclaim, for the land is Mine.” Now that the Federal government is no longer protecting these areas, I urge you to ensure that the land is not sold beyond reclaim!

Please protect our last great wild places. Forests enhance our quality of life and are home to irreplaceable species. And most importantly, protect these areas so that future generations may breathe clean air, drink clean water, and know the glory of America’s great forests.

Background

The repeal of the Roadless rule would allow the timber, mining and oil industries to log, mine, and drill in pristine areas that provide 60 million Americans with clean drinking water and provide habitat for over 1,600 endangered species. These areas also act as buffers against forest fires, and as sources of valuable recreation, including hunting and fishing opportunities.

In order to keep these forests safe for future generations, we need to look to our governors to petition the Bush Administration to keep roadless areas in their state protected. Some governors like Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) and Christine Gregoire (D-WA) have said they may make such appeals.

Benefits of the Roadless Rule

Our National Forest roadless areas :

• Provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife, including more than 1,600 threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant and animal species;
• Serve as bulwarks against the spread of non-native invasive species;
• Are home to more than 2,000 major watersheds that contribute to public drinking water sources for over 60 million people around the nation;
• Present opportunities for stepping outside of the hustle and bustle of daily life and returning to nature;
• Provide exceptional recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, cross country skiing, rock climbing, bird-watching, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking;
• Offer opportunities for scientific study and research;
• Preserve areas needed for traditional Native American religious and cultural observances.