[at-l] Call your rep

[kahley7@ptd.net (kahley)]

Received this in the AM mail.  I think it's legit but I don't have time to 
check it out.


Capitol Trails Broadcast - for AHS Alliance Members & Partners
HELP FUND YOUR TRAILS
Contact your Representative today to help increase funding for trails in FY
2002. The House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee has scheduled its
markup (vote) for June 6. NOW is the time to call your Representative and
urge him/her to support funding increases for trails and recreation
management. American Hiking recommends the following appropriations:
- $8.25 million for the sixteen national scenic and historic trails
administered by the National Park Service.
- $12 million for the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and
Conservation Assistance program. [See next section on RTCA]
- $330 million for Recreation Management, Heritage and Wilderness and $100
million for Capital Improvement and Maintenance for trails in the USDA
Forest Service.
- $59 million increase for Recreation Management in the Bureau of Land
Management.
Trail and recreation management programs in the federal agencies remain
severely underfunded and understaffed. The agencies require funding
increases to enhance natural and cultural resource management and
protection, improve visitor services, and strengthen volunteer
partnerships.
To write your Member of Congress directly via email, visit
http://www.americanhiking.org/policy/write.html, adding a paragraph if you
choose to personalize your request. Also contact Members on the House
Appropriations Committee (see
http://www.house.gov/appropriations/members.htm) and express the same
message-that you support funding increases for trails and recreation
management in the National Park Service, USDA Forest Service, and Bureau of
Land Management.
Note--May 28-June 1 is Memorial Day Recess--a great time to reach Members
at
home in their districts.
SUPPORT RIVERS & TRAILS PROGRAM
Contact your Representative and members of the Interior Appropriations
Subcommittee TODAY to urge increased funding for the National Park
Service's
Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program. RTCA requires $12
million to improve its ability to help communities in all fifty states
manage and protect their recreational and natural resources. Also, sign
your
organization on to the attached letter to the Senate by responding with
your
name, organization, and state by the end of the day on JUNE 1st.
Last year, RTCA assistance helped community groups protect 2,200 trail
miles, 1,000 river miles, and 270,000 acres of open space. Rather than
provide federal funds for the construction of local projects, RTCA provides
technical expertise and counsel to local conservation and recreation
initiatives. Despite the program's popularity and successes, RTCA funding
has remained relatively stagnant for the last nine years. The program has
experienced a dramatic increase in requests for assistance but is only able
to assist half all applicants.
ROADLESS INITIATIVE BLOCKED IN COURT
Earlier this month, a federal judge issued an injunction that prevents the
Forest Service from implementing the roadless area protection plan, despite
the Bush Administration's decision to implement the rule while working on
revisions to allow more local input. The roadless rule, lauded by American
Hiking and the conservation community since its inception, would have
prevented logging, road construction, mining and drilling on 58.5 million
acres of unspoiled national forest lands, except in rare circumstances.
This popular policy initiated in 1996 resulted from extensive public
participation. The plaintiffs in the suit argued that the process was
one-sided and didn't consider the long-term consequences for the forests.
Environmental organizations plan to appeal the decision.
For more information, visit the Forest Service's website at:
http://roadless.fs.fed.us/index.shtml
****************
To call your Member of Congress:
US Capitol Switchboard
(202) 224-3121
To write your Senator:
The Honorable ______________
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
To write your Representative:
The Honorable ______________
US House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
To locate your Member on-line:
http://thomas.loc.gov/

Celina Montorfano
Alliance Policy Coordinator
American Hiking Society
1422 Fenwick Lane
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(301) 565-6704 x205
(301) 565-6714 (fax)
cmontorfano@AmericanHiking.org
http://www.AmericanHiking.org