RE: Stand up against Federal threats to California parks and wilderness!

Dear Governor Schwarznegger,

The Mojave National Preserve, Redwood National Park, Sequoia National Park, and many other special places in California are threatened by road proposals arising from a loophole left over from an 1866 mining law. Using this loophole, known as RS 2477, the Department of Interior issued a new "disclaimer rule" that could be used to give away public lands to local governments and private interests. The regulations could turn old cow paths and hiking trails into new paved roads and highways.

Over 5,500 miles of "highways" have been proposed by off-road vehicle groups and counties in five California National Parks, 23 Wilderness Areas, and other public and private lands. If granted ownership of these lands, a county or special interest could re-open parks and wilderness to motor vehicles and development or prevent areas from receiving permanent wilderness protections.

You have voiced emphatic support for environmental protection, and I join most Californians in your support for preserving our environment. I urge you to inform the Bush Administration that the State of California opposes the Department of Interior's new "disclaimer of interest" rule as well as all attempts by individuals and local governments in California to propose phony roads under RS 2477. And I urge you to utilize all of your power and influence to stop any of our lands from being opened to roads through this cynical, undemocratic and destructive loophole.

Most Sincerely,

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