Veneman Acts to Conserve Roadless Areas in National Forests

September 2004 -- Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced July 12, 2004, the reinstatement of an interim directive to conserve roadless areas. She also proposed a new rule that continues the cooperative conservation of roadless areas in national forest and grasslands.

The new rule sets a straightforward collaborative path to conserving roadless areas by working with the states on state-specific regulations and establishing a process for governors to work with the Forest Service to develop locally supported rules for areas in their states.

?State governments are important partners in the stewardship of the nation?s land and natural resources,? Veneman stated. ?Strong state and federal cooperation in the management of roadless areas will foster strong local involvement and support for a final policy.?