"I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use our natural resources, but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob by wasteful use, the generations that come after us."

Theodore Roosevelt

The Northern Rockies are the last place in the US where all species still exist today that were present at the time of the Lewis & Clark expedition. The grizzly bear, elk, caribou, bighorn sheep, bull trout, mountain lion, and many more species roam the region's temperate forests, alpine tundra, and desert canyons. Five distinct ecosysterns lie within the Northern Rockies and together their diverse inhabitants define the Wild Rockies.

NREPA is the first legislation to frame wilderness protection in bioregional context It de-emphasizes arbitrary political lines to encompass ecological systems. It will ensure the region's Wildlands, wildlife and waters from majestic mountains to raging rivers are protected today and for future generations.

The Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act is a bipartisan bill led by Chris Shays (R-CT) and Carolyn Maloney (D-NY). Thousands of American citizens and hundreds of organizations and businesses support the idea of combining sound science with solid economics to meet the needs of wildlife and people who love the Wild Rockies. There are currently 88 cosponsors of this bill. We will need 200+ to pass it. This is a House bill only. A similar one has not been started in the Senate.

HR 488 SAVES TAXPAYERS OVER $100 MILLION

Every year, millions of American taxpayer dollars are wasted in the Northern Rockies on timber industry subsidies. According to an economist from the University of Utah, NREPA will save US taxpayers over $100 million dollars in the next ten years by not logging in roadless areas. The savings grow as we include the reduction in road maintenance and spending to protect endangered species.

H.R. 488 CREATES THOUSANDS OF NEW JOBS

NREPA establishes a pilot system of National Wildland Restoration and Recovery Areas and the Wildland Recovery Corps, which creates over 2,300 jobs in rural areas to restore severely damaged fish and wildlife habitats, watersheds, and promotes flood protection. The restoration of these areas will stimulate tourism, and enhance recreational opportunities while protecting the ecological integrity of the region.

H.R. 488 PROTECTS OUR ENVIRONMENT & HERITAGE

T Designates more than 20 million acre of federal lands in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon and Washington.

T Links vital wildlife habitat through Biological Connecting Corridors

T Creates over 1, 800 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers

T Establishes a National Preserve and Park Study Area

 

Date

The Honorable Representative

US House of Representatives

Washington, DC 20515

Honorable Representative (XXXX):

Please consider cosponsoring the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act, H.R. 488 (NREPA).

This bipartisan bill will save taxpayers at least $100 million over the first ten years by prohibiting deficit road building and timber sales in public roadless areas. NREPA will create over 2,300 high-paying jobs ($20/hour+) by establishing the Wildlands Recovery Corps and restoring public lands damaged by poor management.

HR 488 would protect more than 20 million acres of federal lands in parts of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon and Washington as Wilderness, National Preserves, and Biological Corridors. NREPA designates over 1,800 miles of new Wild and Scenic Rivers. The northern Rockies is home to populations of grizzly bear, wolf, bison, elk, woodland caribou, bull trout, salmon and numerous other species.

NREPA is supported by more than 1,000 businesses and organizations including: The Wilderness Society, Republicans for Environmental Protection (Rep America), Greenpeace USA, National Audubon Society, Sierra Club, and thousands of individuals.

I strongly support this landmark legislation. Please let me know whether or not you will sponsor NREPA. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Your Name & Address