FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 5, 2005 No. 05-077

Roadless Rule Finalized: Provides for Governors’ Input
Murkowski applauds recognition of value of local input

(Juneau) – Governor Frank H. Murkowski Thursday complimented the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Agriculture on their issuance of a final roadless rule and thanked them for their recognition of the importance of local input into roadless decisions.

“This has been a long, controversial process for those in impacted communities,” said the governor. “This new rule is an example of a good federal-state partnership and provides for better communication, cooperation, and coordination between our federal and state governments.”

The final rule provides an 18-month timeframe during which governors can petition the Secretary of Agriculture to adopt state recommended regulations for management of roadless areas.

If a petition is not brought to the Secretary, the applicable federal forest management plan will govern those areas.

“You can be assured that I will continue to support a viable timber industry on a sustainable yield basis,” said the governor.

The governor noted that this decision will bring some certainty to forest management in Alaska, facilitating social and economic development.

“Instead of management by arbitrary rules based on the size of particular areas, development can be anchored in sound science, good management and public input,” said the governor. “This will benefit all categories of forest users, from the weekend recreator to those who make their livings through responsible mining and timber harvest.”

For more information on the final rulemaking: http://roadless.fs.fed.us/