The Gore Campaign released this statement today, October 26, 2000.

"Al Gore strongly supports the preservation of our nation's forests for future generations to enjoy. As Vice President, he was a leader in developing the Administration's interim moratorium on new road construction on 43-million acres of roadless areas in America's National Forests. But he believes we should go further to ensure that there is no new roadbuilding or timber sales in roadless areas, and to extend the same policy to Alaska's Tongass National Forest. As President, Gore will fight the efforts of special interests to block the roadless initiative.

Al Gore also understands that the roadless area policy does not cover many remaining ancient forest stands. These are precious ecological treasures that we must work to protect. As President, Gore will examine current policies, harness the best science and consult with environmental and community groups to identify and implement measures to protect and preserve remaining old growth forest areas.

Gore has heard the concerns raised by many people in the Pacific Northwest who are concerned about the Eagle Creek timber sale in Oregon's Mount Hood National Forest. Having conveyed those concerns to the federal agencies involved in the proposed sale, Gore is pleased to note that Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman recently committed to conduct an independent review of the sale to look into some of the environmental concerns that have been raised. Gore is committed to taking any necessary steps based on the conclusion of that review to ensure that the Eagle Creek timber sale meets the highest environmental standards. As he has said before, the signing of the 1995 timber salvage rider was a terrible mistake and one of the Administration's greatest errors. If elected President, Gore has pledged would veto that rider and similar riders that would weaken environmental protections for our forests.

Al Gore also believes we need to continue support for the Administration's Lands Legacy initiative, which will help provide the funding needed to bring threatened tracts of private lands within National Forests. Gore is calling on Congress to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund to acquire key holdings in our National Forests. In addition, through the Forest Legacy Program and grants to states for land acquisition, Gore will lead the fight to protect forested lands.

Gore is acutely aware of the fact that there are many areas of our country whose future prosperity will directly depend on our improved stewardship of forested lands. He believes we have a sacred duty to act as responsible stewards of our public lands and forests. As President, Al Gore will continue efforts to ensure that forests, roadless areas, wilderness areas and other national treasures receive appropriate designation and protection."