New Policy Directions
Forest Service "GROUP USE" & "LAW ENFORCEMENT" RULES
Public opinion and politics in the campaign to
preserve Constitutional rights in the National Forests
It's time for a new direction in national forest policy
We took these issues to Congress & the White House... the
winds are shifting
- Final enactment of the revised 'Group Use' Rules has been delayed
several times since Fall '93, under growing scrutiny. In May, USFS
lawyers revealed that they would not publish that month as planned,
and now they have deferred action again for several months, backing
off for the fourth time...
- The 'Law Enforcement' Rules met a deluge of public & Congressional
opposition: The comment period was extended to May 18, when USFS
Chief Thomas announced that this rulemaking was being dropped
without final review, promising a new proposal this Fall.
Both rules were held off from enactment this summer* a big win for now,
but revised proposals will come out this Fall,
and the policy issues remain!
If these rulemakings are stopped and they are kept from becoming Law,
there is a chance to make some real changes *
KEEP LETTERS COMING
Build a strong mandate for the Bill of Rights
- Jim Lyons \ USDA Assistant Secretary
Adm'n Bldg, 217E -- 14th & Independence SW
Washington, DC 20250
- Carol Rasco \ Domestic Policy Advisor
The White House -- 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20250-0006
REQUEST PUBLIC HEARINGS
The Agency is hiding behind obscure rulemaking procedures and
ducking lawful review of policy impacts; USDA lawyers have obstructed
information and stopped meetings with responsible public officials.
To preserve Constitutional liberties, these issues must come
to light in an open public forum.
CONTACT MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Talk & write about the impacts of these Forest Service policies,
speak your concerns for the Constitution and the Land.
We have introduced the issues on Capitol Hill and called for responsible
oversight:
Direct action to the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and
Judiciary Committees of both the House and Senate, where
formal inquiries have been requested in the subcommittees.
DO WHAT YOU CAN
- Inform more people about these threats to Constitutional
freedoms, and the need to preserve the Bill of Rights on
Public Land; urge them to read and respond*
- Circulate more petitions to supplement the formal record;
show Congress and Officials that public concerns remain
strong, and demands for change should be heard*
- Outreach to public-interest organizations, get position
statements endorsed in opposition; contact journals &
media to get stories out and raise public awareness*
Efforts must carry on to stop both rules this Fall and open
new dialogue on USFS policy.
Get in touch, let us hear what you think. Send copies of letters,
good feedback and a little $$-support so your views can keep working.
Inquiries are welcome, we have info and ideas to share...
PCU // Freedom of Assembly Project
For further information, contact...
PEOPLE FOR COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING
PO Box 27217 -- Washington, DC 20038
PO Box 6625 -- Chicago, IL 60680
202-462-0757, 202-265-5389 (Fax)
Hotline: 312-409-0018
(prop1@ uujobs.com)
(scottie@dol.com)