Obama administration will not appeal June court decision overturning national forest planning regulations

Summary:

• Obama administration embraces June court ruling overturning the Bush-era forest planning regulations
• Secretary Vilsack announces new National Forest Management Act rulemaking to update and modernize national forest planning, focusing on restoration of the forests for resilience to climate change and for watershed protection
• Defenders urges U.S. Forest Service to ensure protection for sustainable populations of wildlife, modeling wildlife planning rules after the America’s Wildlife Heritage Act (HR 2807) [1]

SEATTLE, Wash. (August 14, 2009) — Rodger Schlickeisen [2], president of Defenders of Wildlife, sees a bright future in Secretary Vilsack’s vision for modernizing the Forest Service:

“Secretary Vilsack’s announcement [3] comes as great news for America’s spectacular national forests and grasslands. He’s charted a bold vision for the future of these lands, recognizing the importance of our national forests for the clean water, abundant wildlife and recreational opportunities they provide to countless Americans, as well as the vital role they play in the fight against global warming.

“Finally, after eight stagnant years, the Forest Service is beginning to make the changes that are necessary to protect these lands against the ravages of climate change. Secretary Vilsack has reaffirmed the important stewardship role that the Forest Service has in helping wildlife and other natural resources adapt to a changing climate. Defenders of Wildlife looks forward to working with the Forest Service during its review of the planning process to ensure that our national forests and grasslands continue to support healthy, sustainable populations of fish, plants and wildlife.”

Links:
Read excerpts from Secretary Vilsack’s announcement. [3]
Learn more about the America’s Wildlife Heritage Act [1].
Learn more about natural resources adaptation [4].

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org [5].

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