Sometimes major environmental decisions come down to a simple matter of trust. Take the current debate over something called “the roadless rule.” This was a Clinton policy which banned development in 58.5 million acres of protected national forest.
The Bush administration recently overturned this rule — arguing that national forests are better managed by the people who live near them and make their livelihoods from them — not by federal regulators far away in Washington.
Environmentalists say it’s the policy equivalent of asking the fox to guard the henhouse. They say that national forests are a national treasure and need to be protected from the ups and downs of local politics. Time to be clear, about the cutting, on the Connection.
Guests:
Jennifer Phillippi, President of Perpetual Forest Company and Officer of the Rough & Ready Lumber Company in Cave Junction, Oregon
Kirk Schimeall, Wilderness Guide and Program Manager at Catharine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions in Albany, Oregon
Todd True, attorney with EarthJustice in Seattle
Chris West, Vice President of the American Forest Resource Council in Portland, Oregon
Ted Kulongoski, Governor of Oregon (D).