Little Rock - On Tuesday, the Bush Administration finalized the opening of 300,000 acres of Alaska's Tongass National Forest for logging and other development. Now the timber industry will be able to clearcut trees in one of the most ancient forests in the world.

Wes Clark had a strong message for the Bush White House:

"As Americans gathered to celebrate the traditions of the holiday season, the Bush Administration practiced its own tradition - rolling back environmental protections when most Americans weren't looking.

It's wrong to announce gifts to your special interest supporters under cover of Christmas. American needs leadership that puts the people's interests above the special interests. That's the kind of leadership I'll bring back to White House."