
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, March 23, 1992                   TAG: 9203230190
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

FORESTS' FOUNDING PRINCIPLE FORGOTTEN

OUR NATIONAL forests are an excellent example of the confusion that can exist as a result of political pressure by different special-interest groups. Forgotten is the lawful basis of the founding of the national-forest system - multiple use. The preservationists may be winning this one, and the conservationists and professional-resource managers may be losing; in the long run, we will all lose.

As part conservationist, preservationist and professional-resource manager, I don't seem to be recognized by any special-interest group. (Compromise and middle ground are not popular in the environmental field.)

In a way, I yearn for "the good old days" when education, practicality, scientific facts and an understanding of past mistakes, and needs of the present and future were more important in resource management than political pressure and the bickering of special-interest groups. If I ever meet someone who feels as I do, we will immediately form a special-interest group.

CRAIG BELL

BEDFORD

by CNB