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New! - Secretary announces Final State Petitions for Inventoried Roadless Area Management Rule

MAY 5, 2005 - Today the Department of Agriculture announced the adoption of a final rule that establishes a process for governors to propose locally supported regulations for conserving inventoried roadless areas within their states. Strong state and federal cooperation in the management of these areas will foster strong local involvement and support for how they are ultimately conserved. The Department also announced the establishment of a national advisory committee to assist the Secretary with the implementation of this rule. The administration and the Forest Service remain committed to working closely with the nation's governors to meet the needs of local communities and to maintaining the undeveloped character of these unique areas of our national forests and grasslands.

• News Release
• Audio of Press Conference - (mp3 - 6.3mb | wav - 19mb)
• Federal Register Final Rule and Notice;Special Areas; State Petitions for Inventoried Roadless Area Management - 5/13/2005
• Federal Register Notice of Roadless Area Conservation National Advisory Commitee - Establishment and request for nominations - 5/13/2005
• Letter to Governor Kempthorne - (example letter that the Secretary sent to the 39 Governors) - (pdf | 32k)
• Timeline
• Background Paper
• Litigation Summary
• Issues Narrative - Public Comment on July 16, 2004 Proposed Rule - (pdf - 773k)