Legislation to Expand Multiple Use Access to Public Lands Introduced

[corax]

This will only take a minute. Click on the link at the bottom and enter some very basic info if you support this, it couldn't get any easier

22 Members Have Already Cosponsored H.R. 1581 – We Need Your Help to Enlist More!

Before leaving for Easter break, U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) formally introduced H.R. 1581, the “Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011.” Earlier this month ARRA asked you to send an email urging your Representative to sign on as an original cosponsor to this legislation prior to introduction. 21 Members of Congress, including National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) are currently listed as cosponsors.

Now that the bill has been introduced, it is time to reach out to your Representative again to urge them to sign on!

As you will recall, this very important draft bill would release all Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs) and Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs) that have been recommended or evaluated as not suitable for wilderness by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the U.S. Forest Service from restrictive management practices and direct that they be managed for multiple use, including recreation.

As is stands, the BLM currently manages nearly 7 million acres of WSAs as de facto wilderness despite the fact the BLM itself has already determined these areas as not suitable for wilderness designation by Congress. The situation with the Forest Service is even worse, as access is restricted to over 36 million acres of IRAs that have been deemed unsuitable for ultimate designation as wilderness. Current law and regulation dictates that these lands must be managed to protect wilderness characteristics. H.R. 1581 would release these areas from restrictive management and require the agencies to ensure increased access.

The Members’ “Dear Colleague” letter with a list of bill supporters can be viewed here.

A summary of the bill provided by Rep. McCarthy’s office can be viewed here.

Please click the Take Action link below to send an email encouraging your Representative to sign on as a cosponsor of H.R. 1581.

click link -> SEND A SIMPLE EMAIL - IT'LL TAKE 1 MINUTE <- click link

 

[Mike S]

I think the bill is a bad idea. It pre-empts preservation of possible future wilderness areas. Further, over the years I have found that "multiple use" is simply govspeak for "development". That this is a Republican sponsored House bill is no surprise - their environmental and public lands management record is shameful.

 

[PirateMcGee]

I think the bill is a bad idea. It pre-empts preservation of possible future wilderness areas. Further, over the years I have found that "multiple use" is simply govspeak for "development". That this is a Republican sponsored House bill is no surprise - their environmental and public lands management record is shameful.

agreed.........

 

[GaryMc]

And agreed again. I like my WSA's OHV and MTB free.

Also, I would to see the hard facts behind this statement... "As is stands, the BLM currently manages nearly 7 million acres of WSAs as de facto wilderness despite the fact the BLM itself has already determined these areas as not suitable for wilderness designation by Congress."

 

[bugnout]

Well, I sent a letter to my congressman. I'm not opposed to new wilderness area's, but I do object to managing areas that are clearly not wilderness as wilderness.

I'm getting really tired of the forest service closing roads in forests that have been actively logged for years. These areas are clearly multiple use areas.

 

[GaryMc]

These areas are clearly multiple use areas.

Logging makes them multiple use?

 

[bugnout]

Logging makes them multiple use?

Sure doesn't make it wilderness. Designated wilderness is the highest level of conservation protection for federal lands. No commercial enterprise or roads. That pretty much restricts access and use to walk in only. Now I believe very strongly that there should be wilderness and it should be protected.

I object to existing roads in managed forests being closed. I see no valid reason to prevent citizens from accessing the National Forests in areas that are not now wilderness, haven't been wilderness for over 100 years and continue to be a managed forest resource. If they are going to restore it to Wilderness status, then ok, but until then, leave it open.

 

[Dave Bennett]

I'm not opposed to new wilderness area's, but I do object to managing areas that are clearly not wilderness as wilderness.

I'm getting really tired of the forest service closing roads in forests that have been actively logged for years. These areas are clearly multiple use areas.

x2. I remember back in the 80's/90's in WA before all the gates started going up, you could get lost for days on end exploring old logging roads. Not anymore...
dot gov keeps the people corralled nowadays where they're easier to control.

We have enough gates and off limits areas on "our public lands". I'd like to see less govt BS that controls land just for the sake of control. Wilderness preserves are one thing but c'mon!

 

[Dave Bennett]

I think the bill is a bad idea. It pre-empts preservation of possible future wilderness areas.

What's a "future wilderness area"?

 

[StaceyE]

This is a great Bill, I'm sick and tired of roads being closed and land being locked up just for the sake of a few enviro groups trying to raise funds.

 

[Dave Bennett]

This will only take a minute. Click on the link at the bottom and enter some very basic info if you support this, it couldn't get any easier

"Thank you for contacting me with your views regarding the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act, H.R. 1581. It is good to hear from you and I appreciate your patience while awaiting a response.

This legislation was introduced by Representative Kevin McCarthy, on April 15, 2011. As you know, H.R. 1581 would release wilderness study areas administered by the Bureau of Land Management that are not suitable for wilderness designation from continued management. Currently, this Act has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. Rest assured, I will keep your concerns in mind should this bill come to the House floor for debate.

Again, thank you for taking the time to write. For your convenience, you can sign up to receive regular email updates from me on issues important to the 45th District at www.bonomack.house.gov/emailsignup.

Sincerely,

M

MARY BONO MACK

Member of Congress"

 

[craig333]

Sent.