WASHINGTON, DC, June 28, 2006 -- “Today the Bush Administration awarded the Mike's Gulch Timber Sale. The Wilderness Society is profoundly dismayed by the Administration's decision to allow logging in a pristine, roadless forest in the largest Inventoried Roadless Area in Oregon.

“This roadless area logging project is moving forward over the repeated objections of Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski and state and local governments, hunting and fishing enthusiasts, local businesses and the majority of Oregonians. Time and time again, Americans have said they want our nation's last roadless wild areas protected, not opened up to logging and development.

“The Administration still has time to stop this logging proposal in Oregon and leave these roadless areas intact while Governor Kulongoski petitions for their permanent protection. We urge the Administration to honor its word and withdraw these logging plans.

“The Forest Service had the opportunity to move beyond polarization by halting this divisive timber sale and focusing on non-controversial, collaborative projects. Instead it has chosen to ignore the wishes of millions of Americans and allow logging in a cherished wild roadless forest.