The following is a press statement by Matt Garrington, Field Director of Environment Colorado:
"Gov. Bill Ritter made a wise decision to protect Colorado's forests. By allowing for more time to review the proposed federal rule, we can take an honest look at how best to protect roadless areas in Colorado's National Forest.
"The Governor has ensured that the Bush administration won't have the last word on Colorado's forests. The Governor is standing with the people of Colorado by making sure we have a measured, thoughtful approach to protecting our forests.
"Colorado's roadless forests are incredibly important. Our roadless forests provide healthy, intact wildlife habit, safeguard our water, and provide unmatched recreational opportunities.
"As written, the proposed rule lets industry trump our water, wildlife, and outdoor recreation economy. Wildlife is at-risk from development in more than a third of Colorado's roadless forests under the plan. Since 2001, the oil and gas industry has snatched-up more than one hundred leases that could industrialize our backcountry. The coal industry was given reign over our roadless forests in the plan.
"Clearly, the proposed rule as written fails to do what Coloradans have asked – protect Colorado's forests. Since 2000, Colorado residents have submitted 96,988 comments, with more than 95 percent of them in favor of protecting the state’s 4.4 million acres of roadless forests.
"Environment Colorado applauds the Governor for this thoughtful decision and looks forward to working with his administration to do what’s best for Colorado's forests."
-Matt Garrington, Field Director of Environment Colorado
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Below are copies of the letter and the press release regarding the request for more time to review the proposed rule from the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
Colorado-press-release-roadless_4-December-2008.pdf