Comments taken opposing changes to roadless rule

Environmental groups have gathered more than a million comments, including almost 37,000 in Utah, opposing changes to a rule that keeps undeveloped forest land roadless.

The change to the rule, which is being proposed by members of President Bush's administration, would allow governors to seek an exemption from the federal law.

Under the rule, which was crafted by former President Bill Clinton's administration, road building is banned in 58.5 million acres of national forest, including more than 4 million acres in Utah.

As the public comment period ends, members of national environmental groups and the outdoor retailing industry came together at a Thursday news conference to show piles of comments that will be forwarded to the federal government.

"People have spoken for wild forests — again," said Marc Heileson, regional representative for the Sierra Club. "These are forests where our families camp, hike and fish. They are our last remaining treasures."