Speak Up to Protect Idaho's Backcountry Forests

The Forest Service is accepting comments on Idaho Roadless Areas. Idaho has more than 9.3 million acres of unprotected backcountry National Forests, more than any state in the lower-48.

In 2006, then-Governor Risch asked the Forest Service to protect 8.8 million acres of Idaho’s backcountry roadless areas. His proposal would open over 525,000 acres to mining, logging, and roadbuilding. Most of these so-called “General Forest” areas are located on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

Main Points

• The comment period should be extended, and public meetings should be held at this stage.

• The analysis must evaluate the potential impact to the 525,000 acres designated as “General Forest.”

• No roads should be constructed in these areas for commercial purposes.

What You Can Do
Use your own words to discuss these main points in a letter to the Forest Service. To make sure your voice is heard, you must comment by May 10, 2007.

Additional Points

• Talk about specific roadless areas that are special to you.

• Discuss how Idaho's best fishing and hunting opportunities are located in roadless areas.

• Mention that Idaho's forests already have over 34,000 miles of road and a $660 million backlog of needed maintenance.

• Ask that all roadless areas be protected from mining.

Use our form on our website to send your comments right away, or:

Email your comments to: IDcomments@fsroadless.org

Mail to:
Roadless Area Conservation – Idaho
PO Box 162909
Sacramento, CA 95816-2909

Fax to: 916.456.6724

For More Info
Go to www.wildidaho.org/update.php to download the Forest Service notice, Risch Petition, maps and other files.

Latest Roadless Area Update Courtesy Jonathan Oppenheimer of the Idaho Conservation League