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Protecting and restoring our Olympic forest and aquatic ecosystems |
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Olympic's Roadless Areas From our inception, OFCO has devoted considerable energy to ensuring that the unprotected roadless areas of Olympic National Forest remain intact. To that end, we've participated on the Wild Washington Campaign's steering committee, have supported legislation that would make the original 2001 Roadless Rule the law of the land, have opposed subsequent Forest Service proposals that would jeopardize roadless areas, and have applauded Governor Gregoire's recent efforts to ensure long-term protection of these rare landscapes. We've additionally produced a text- and map-based proposal for permanent protection of Olympic's remaining unprotected wildlands, as well as a hiking guide to better familiarize the community with their beauty and importance. Within its boundaries, Olympic National Forest sports 85,000 acres of inventoried (i.e., recognized by the Forest Service) roadless areas, along with an additional 50,000+ acres of uninventoried (not recognized by the Forest Service) roadless areas. Most of these wildlands are found on the periphery of the Greater Olympic Wilderness, which has its core in the vastness of Olympic National Park. In many respects, our roadless areas are windows in time, where megafauna still migrate and hunt for sustenance without impediment; where clean, cool water originates for downstream salmon runs and family faucets; where ancient forests still blanket the slopes; and where respectful human visitors may come to better understand themselves and the remarkable world around them. The slides which follow are just a sample of what's at stake in the roadless areas of Olympic National Forest. Click picture for close up view / description and/or slideshow. |
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