In 2005, the White House repealed the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which conserved one third of America's national forests, including 1.2 million acres in Arizona. Roadless forests in our state include such gems as the Canada del Oro in the Coronado National Forest and the Blue River Watershed in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest.

Governor Napolitano must petition to reinstate the protection taken away from these lands. Several state Governors have already done so, including Republican Govenor Mark Sanford of South Carolina. This issue extends to all interests, parties and citizens.

I personally know the many wondrous areas this state has to offer, diverse in their extremes and beauty, and truly the defining characteristic of our State. As citizens of Arizona, we must speak out and support the Governor in this process to ensure that future generations of Arizonans can enjoy the splendor of our State.

Conservation of this kind serves our state's economic needs in attracting tourism by keeping these areas available for hiking, fishing and hunting. Many people move here after being struck by the beauty of the awesome landscape. Our roadless areas are imperative to the long term, sustainable success of our State as a great place for people to live and play.