They have attended one or more of the public hearings sponsored by the Forest Service to collect public comment on Clinton's plan. Residents who want to influence the decision-making process at a pivotal time should speak up now. Much of the debate to date has been on the impact Clinton's roadless plan will have on logging. Timber industry officials say the plan will put millions of acres off limits to them because the only access will be via helicopter, which drives up logging costs significantly.
Environmentalists say more federal land needs to be protected and an outright logging ban imposed.
We need to remember that Forest Service roads are used by more than logging trucks. Off-road vehicle users, equestrians, hikers and the disabled use those roads for access to scenic and secluded federal land. Many conflicting values are at play in this issue. That's why it's imperative that residents have their say and help shape the final decision. The SUN's editorial opinions are shaped by the editor and opinion editor in consultation with The SUN's editorial board.