Let s talk about that fourth item. As you know, last Friday President Clinton announced and Secretary Glickman signed the roadless area conservation rule. Well over a year ago, I sought and welcomed the President s assistance in protecting roadless areas of the National Forest System. Political affiliation made no difference to me or to the land. Protecting wild and unfragmented landscapes is a bipartisan American tradition that rises above ideology.
Conservation is a uniquely American idea born of our uniquely American heritage.
Europe has its great castles and works of art, Africa its ancient pyramids and cultures. Here in America we have our wild places, the first home of American Indians. These untamed landscapes are what remain of the pioneer spirit that shaped this nation s character. Following World War II, one of our primary management objectives was to punch logging roads into remote drainages. The intentions were sound and noble.