The Clinton rule had its flaws, but the Bush plan could threaten precious water sources and some of the last refuges for recreation and wildlife unless governors make a study of its impacts and petition for continued protection.

So far, unfortunately, Huntsman seems content to let the U.S. Forest Service's management plans dictate the future of the forests in Utah.

That could lead to more development, primarily by oil and gas companies that, in today's energy market, have a huge economic incentive to move operations into wild areas. We urge the governor to step forward and embrace his role in the far-reaching decisions that will profoundly affect the last of the relatively unspoiled forests that belong to all Utahns and, indeed, to all Americans.

Those who supported repeal of the Clinton Roadless Rule rightly point to the need for backcountry roads for forest management and wildfire prevention. Nevertheless, eliminating the rule could give drilling companies and timber harvesters too much influence over Forest Service decisions. It's up to Huntsman as the forests' new steward to temper that influence.

Unfortunately, the easiest way to deal with forest management - and absolutely the wrong one for Utah - is to leave it to somebody else. Under the Bush policy, the process for states to petition for protection of certain forested areas is complicated and must be completed in 18 months.

Huntsman's petition would have to include detailed descriptions and extensive justification, along with such data as impacts on animals and people, how the petition compares to present policies and how the public has been given its say. After all that, a petition still may be rejected.

If no petition is submitted, Forest Service management plans would guide future development.

By adopting a hands-off attitude, Huntsman is investing the public's trust in Forest Service management plans, most of which are incomplete. Rightly or wrongly, the duty to ensure that Utah forests are protected has been handed to Huntsman.

He shouldn't hand it back.