I just got word of this new proposed Bill. At this point they are looking to get as many co-sponsors for the bill as possible. This bill would rightfully return REJECTED lands from DE-FACTO WILDERNESS status to open Multiple use status. This is a GREAT idea for everyone!
Please take a moment to read and send support to your legislators for this bill.
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U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has joined with National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) to create legislation to ensure greater access to public lands for all Americans. The 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 directs 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. The draft legislation sponsored by McCarthy, Bishop and Pearce 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 become an original cosponsor of this important legislation.
https://secure3.convio.net/arra/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=277
( I hope that link works correctly )
Please take a moment to read and send support to your legislators for this bill.
**********
U.S. Representative and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has joined with National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Western Caucus Chairman Steve Pearce (R-NM) to create legislation to ensure greater access to public lands for all Americans. The 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 directs 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. The draft legislation sponsored by McCarthy, Bishop and Pearce 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 become an original cosponsor of this important legislation.
https://secure3.convio.net/arra/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=277
( I hope that link works correctly )
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