caring for creation through advocacy

AKRON, Pa. -- The Washington Office of Mennonite Central Committee
(MCC) U.S. has joined other religious groups in asking Congress to
pass legislation protecting millions of acres of land.

The Public Land Management Omnibus Act would establish wilderness
areas in West Virginia, protect mountainous land in Wyoming and would
provide Congressional authorization to permanently recognize the
National Landscape Conservation System.

The U.S. Senate passed the legislation on Jan. 20 and the House of
Representatives is scheduled to vote on it before Feb. 16.

The Washington Office signed a letter asking the Senate to pass this
legislation and is encouraging individuals to contact their
representatives to advocate for its passage in the House.

"Our office has long supported efforts like this one to care for God's
creation. It is part of our mandate to be stewards of the resources
God has given us, and to be sure that they are shared equitably and
preserved for future generations," says Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach,
Washington Office director.

A statement, "Stewards in God's Creation," approved by MCC's Executive
Committee in 1994, states, "Preserving the creation must be integral
to who we are and what we believe."

Among other things, the Public Land Management Omnibus Act would
protect 15 wilderness areas in the Monongahela National Forest in West
Virginia. It would also protect the National Landscape Conservation
System, which includes national monuments, wilderness study areas and
scenic and historic trails that contain important natural, cultural
and historic resources.

In addition, the legislation would protect wildlife habitat, scenic
views and outdoor recreation opportunities in the Wyoming Range, an
isolated range of peaks in western Wyoming.


Cathryn Clinton is a writer for Mennonite Central Committee.