In regards to “Gore environmental adviser speaks on campus” in the Sept. 29 ODE, I would like to commend how you handled the “unexpected confrontation with a large, dead fish.”
That article was understandably dedicated to the zealous Ralph Nader supporters.
While not as outspoken, the Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group had a strong presence and presented a poster with the signed names of more than 250 University students to McGinty, and she signed it in front of the 200 students that packed the Ben Linder Room. Addressed to President Clinton, the message reads:
“From the mighty redwoods of California to the misty pines of North Carolina, our National Forests are a vital part of our country’s heritage. Please issue a final roadless policy that provides immediate and lasting protection for all our National Forest roadless areas of at least 1,000 acres, including those of the Tongass coastal rain forest in Alaska — without loopholes, exemptions or waivers. The policy should immediately and permanently halt road building and timber sales, along with mining, off-road vehicle use, and other destructive activities.” In signing this poster, McGinty demonstrated her support for a landmark administrative policy.
The next few months are a critically important time for the public to urge the Clinton administration and the Forest Service to enact a strong final policy with no exceptions before Clinton leaves office.
Come by the University Bookstore on Tuesday. OSPIRG will be there with a 10-foot-tall Smokey the Bear.

Brad Schallert

Head OSPIRG Media Intern