Washington, February 2008

Ocala National Forest Saved From Federal Sell-Off
Bush Administration releases the first federal budget since 2005 that omits plans to sell off national forest lands, including nearly 1,000 acres of the Ocala National Forest.

(Orlando, FL) – After leading successful efforts in 2006 and 2007 to block the sale of 300,000 acres of national forest land – including nearly 1,000 acres of the Ocala National Forest – U.S. Representative Ric Keller released the following statement on this year’s proposed federal budget:

“From day one, this reckless fire-sale of precious national forest land was financially shortsighted, environmentally reckless and threatened our delicate water supply.

"It may have taken a few years for the bureaucrats in Washington to get the message that our national forests are not for sale, but it’s a message both Republicans and Democrats in Congress agree upon. 

 “I was pleased to work across the aisle in a bipartisan way with Democratic Congressman Ben Chandler of Kentucky, and rest assured we will lead that fight again if our national forests are ever threatened in the years ahead.”