Scientists Call on Congress to Protect More Wilderness In PA
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Warren, PA - New members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation could be just what are needed to protect additional wilderness in the Allegheny National Forest, according to more than 50 researchers who are taking action. The researchers say the combination of new federal lawmakers from Pennsylvania and efforts in other states to protect federal lands as wilderness, gives them hope that Washington will "catch up" in the Allegheny National Forest.
Friends of Allegheny Wilderness spokesman John Bartlett says the 12 percent of the forest they hope to protect is "very wild."
"It has been largely unlogged for decades, and is roadless now. It is as natural and as wild as you can get in the East and it will only continue to become more-so, if we leave it that way."
The group's initial 54 scientists recently delivered a letter to all members of Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation, endorsing the Citizens' Wilderness Proposal for Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, according to Bartlett.
"This is truly a significant development in the ongoing campaign to protect the very best and wildest areas of the Allegheny National Forest."
The plan was developed by volunteers throughout the state and seeks additional protection for nearly 55,000 acres. Currently, only about 9,000 acres of the half-million-acre forest are designated as wilderness. Wilderness designation is the highest level of federal protection, preventing road building, development, and motorized uses on natural areas. Logging interests oppose the plan, saying it would cost jobs and hurt local economies.
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