02/28/2008 GAAS:107:08 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Print Version | Email / Share
Gov. Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Court Action Filed by State to Protect California’s Forests
Governor Schwarzenegger today issued the following
statement after the state today filed a U.S. District Court complaint contesting
four Southern California forest management
plans. In August 2007, the United States Forest Service denied California's appeals of management plans for the Angeles,
Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino National Forests.
"Protecting California's forests and wildlands has been a
priority of my administration since my first day in office. I have said many
times how important it is that we keep these cherished and valuable lands free
from unnecessary and damaging roadways.
"Today, in the face of threats, we are forced to once
again stand up for California's forests. Despite repeated
attempts to ensure that the United States Forest Service honor its written
assurance that California's roadless areas would be protected
they have failed to do so.
"Under my administration, California's forests will
be safeguarded. The court action filed today by my Secretary for Resources Mike
Chrisman to hold the Forest Service accountable to its word and to the law is a
testament to that commitment. The people of California deserve nothing less."
Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman filed the
complaint, through the Attorney General's Office, challenging the four
Southern California forest plans after the
federal government denied the Agency's appeal. Governor Schwarzenegger has been
tireless in his efforts to protect California's
forests, consistently advocating that "roadless areas in
California will remain roadless."
