House Vote Sends Strong Message on Forest Management: Statement of Robert Dewey, Vice President for Government Relations, Defenders of Wildlife

(07/17/2003) - WASHINGTON – "Representative Tom Udall took a courageous stand today for keeping science, public input, and wildlife protection in our forest planning process.

"In voting for Rep. Tom Udall's (D-NM) amendment on the National Forest Management Act, 198 members of the U.S. House of Representatives told President Bush he's heading in the wrong direction with our National Forests.

"Nearly 200 House members backed an amendment by Rep. Tom Udall (D-NM) to block the White House's sweeping re-write of forest management regulations.  The Bush Administration wants to boot science, the public, and protection for wildlife out of forest management, and Rep. Udall's amendment came awfully close to putting the brakes on this power grab.  We hope the Forest Service gets the message that the tide's turning against them before they finalize this wrongheaded rule."

###

Defenders of Wildlife is one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and habitat, and was named as one of America's Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine. With more than 430,000 members and supporters, Defenders is an effective voice for wildlife and habitat.

###

Contact(s):

Brad DeVries, (202) 772-0237