Arnold Schwarzenegger
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger filed a petition this month with the U.S. Forest Service to bar such construction in 4.4 million acres of roadless areas covering one-fifth of the land in 18 national forests. The targeted areas are not currently protected under federal laws or regulations.
The governor's action sets up a battle over proposed new management plans for the four Southern California national forests, including the Cleveland forest of San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties, as well as the San Bernardino forest of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The plans, essentially zoning documents that provide general guidelines for what activities may take place, and where, were unveiled late last year.
Collectively, the four plans would open the door to road building in 90 percent of the region's 1 million acres of unprotected roadless areas, said Mary Wells, executive director for the California Wilderness Coalition. Schwarzenegger is proposing to slam that door shut. He is calling on the Forest Service to revise its management plans to reflect his goal of keeping roadless areas roadless.
"We are taking action to keep our pristine forests roadless and in their natural state," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "It is critical that we safeguard these areas. They are home to plants and animals at risk of extinction, provide incredible recreation and are the source of drinking water for millions of Californians."
The governor's action is being lauded by environmental groups that have been pushing for designation of more wilderness areas in the Southern California forests and greater protection for endangered species.
But it is being roundly criticized by offroading groups seeking to expand recreational opportunities for what they say is a growing number of people who prefer to explore the forest via four-wheel-drive truck, motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle.
The governor's action sets up a battle over proposed new management plans for the four Southern California national forests, including the Cleveland forest of San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties, as well as the San Bernardino forest of Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The plans, essentially zoning documents that provide general guidelines for what activities may take place, and where, were unveiled late last year.
Collectively, the four plans would open the door to road building in 90 percent of the region's 1 million acres of unprotected roadless areas, said Mary Wells, executive director for the California Wilderness Coalition. Schwarzenegger is proposing to slam that door shut. He is calling on the Forest Service to revise its management plans to reflect his goal of keeping roadless areas roadless.
"We are taking action to keep our pristine forests roadless and in their natural state," Schwarzenegger said in a statement. "It is critical that we safeguard these areas. They are home to plants and animals at risk of extinction, provide incredible recreation and are the source of drinking water for millions of Californians."
The governor's action is being lauded by environmental groups that have been pushing for designation of more wilderness areas in the Southern California forests and greater protection for endangered species.
But it is being roundly criticized by offroading groups seeking to expand recreational opportunities for what they say is a growing number of people who prefer to explore the forest via four-wheel-drive truck, motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle.
Diane Arnold Schwarzenegger
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