National Forests To Allow Corporate Ads

[Sequoia]

WASHINGTON - March 23 - The U.S. Forest Service is opening its landscapes, roads, marinas and ski resorts to corporate advertising under new rules slated to become permanent this spring, according to comments filed today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). The rules would also preempt state and local restrictions governing promotion of alcohol, tobacco products and gambling.

“Vistas of our national forests may soon include giant inflatable beer bottles, banners for chewing tobacco and snack food kiosks,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch. “Under this plan, every tacky commercial promotion will be welcomed, subject only to approval by a Bush administration appointee.”

The focus of the plan is to encourage corporate donations to support “special events, such as races, competitions festivals” on national forest lands. The proposal substantially liberalizes “sponsor recognition” rules so that, for the first time, a corporation could –


Display banners, signs and other advertisements on forest trails, along roadways and inside concessions. The only limit on ads would be the discretion of a designated “authorized officer;”

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http://www.commondreams.org/news2006/0323-03.htm

[jeff30997]

1. Disgusting!

:puke:

[katinmn]

2. Please say it isn't so!

This is insane.

We go to parks and forests to get away from that crap.

[phantom power]

3. That kind of mentality is anti-social...

Please report to a re-education center near you.

[katinmn]

5. oh darn. back to the Dept. of Free Expression.

:-(

[htuttle]

4. Billboards in the parks? Paging Dr. Sarvis. Paging Dr. Sarvis, M.D

Load up the chainsaw and the blowtorch into the trunk of that Lincoln. Time to get to work...

[JohnWxy]

6. WTF!

[screembloodymurder]

7. Guess I'll be vacationing in Canada.

Fuck em.

[Javaman]

8. "These trees brought to you by Dow Chemical"...nt

[eppur_se_muova]

9. Is there some SHORTAGE of advertising??? What do we need this for?

Earth-Firsters, you're welcome to anything in my tool shed for this cause.