“Roadless Rule” Reinstated for Tongass

A federal judge has banned the creation of new logging roads inside the Tongass National Forest.

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By KTVA CBS 11
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Story Created: Mar 5, 2011 at 9:18 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Mar 5, 2011 at 9:30 PM AKDT

      A federal judge has reinstated the 2001 so-called "Roadless Rule" in the Tongass National Forest, and his decision is drawing harsh criticism from both of Alaska's senators.

     Both Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich issued press releases today blasting the decision that bans creating new logging roads inside the forest. 
     Senator Murkowski says the ruling violates the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act because it would affect logging limits set in the legislation when it was passed in 1980.     
     Senator Mark Begich says the ruling will subject the Tongass to what he calls a "cookie-cutter" management plan that the interior department uses to manage forests in the Lower 48.
     Both senators claim the ruling will further cripple the area's flagging logging industry.
 

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anymouse said on Sunday, Mar 6 at 10:22 PM

Does the roadless rule strand homeowners in the area? That's a bit of a stupid problem as well. People need roads.

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