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

DATE: FRIDAY, May 21, 1993                   TAG: 9305210187
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: A-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: GEORGE KEGLEY
DATELINE: COVINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

TIMBER-CUTTING BAN OPPOSED; 500 JOBS AT RISK

The Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Commission has opposed a proposed ban on timber harvesting in the Jefferson and George Washington national forests because 500 jobs may be in jeopardy.

More than 100 jobs with a payroll of more than $1 million in Alleghany County, Covington and Clifton Forge and another 400 jobs in the nearby region could be affected by the ban, the commission said in a statement released Thursday.

In April, the U.S. Forest Service said below-cost timber sales would be eliminated in the Jefferson, George Washington and 60 other forests.

Conservationists have argued that logging and road-building hurt the wildlife habitat, damage streams and change the character of remote areas.

But the region depends on timber harvesting and any new direction in policy "that affects the livelihood of our workers should be addressed," said Glynn Loope, commission executive director.

The commission unanimously endorsed the resolution citing the economic relationship between the lumber and wood-product industries and the Alleghany Highlands.

Local governments will be encouraged to join the opposition to the ban, and the resolution will be sent to federal, state and regional officials, Loope said.

by CNB