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I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. So much of our precious environment has already been destroyed, making us a far weaker country and people. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Some areas are meant to be untouched for our wildlife and environment. Humans have to much to the natural habitat as is. We need to protect wildlife, forests and untouched lands. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. To the U.S. Forest Service! For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule! Sincerely Robert Nowak 3301 Acmar Rd Moody, AL 35004 References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Stop the attempt to recind the roadless rule. Stop the support of corporations by trying to open up more of our PUBLIC lands for their use. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. LEAVE THE WILDLIFE IN THESE PROTECTED LANDS IN PEACE AND KEEP GREEDY HANDS OFF THESE PUBLIC LANDS!! For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2 Forests are the lungs of our planet and as precious are the flora and fauna. Please protect and not destroy with roads or anything else Geeta Reeb

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. It is even more important now to aggressively protect our environmental jewels and wild areas. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Why is this administration so hellbent on destroying our wild spaces? How much profit will be enough for you? For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Rescinding the rule removes protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. this is unacceptable. These are 'our' lands set aside for us now & future generations. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). These impacts are irreversible. In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to WITHDRAW this proposal and MAINTAIN the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Only a fool would think that cutting down our forests is the way to protect them and fight climate change. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2 THE LAND BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE. WE DID NOT VOTE FOR THIS! THE AHOLES IN WASHINGTON NEED TO KEEP HAND OFF OUR LANDS!!

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. Please protect our wilderness and our wildlife!! Its their habitats and their homes!! I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Please appreciate and protect our special places and wildlife! For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. Im imploring the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2 Thank you for your consideration.

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The majority of Americans of any party or no party values our roadless forests and prfers they be left untouched. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. We need our wild places and once they are gone it's impossible to replace them. For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2

I strongly oppose the U.S. Forest Service's proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise, what is there to defend? For nearly 25 years, the Roadless Rule has protected some of America's most important remaining wild forests from road construction, logging, and other forms of industrial development. Rescinding the rule would remove protections from nearly 45 million acres of national forest lands, opening intact wildlife habitat to fragmentation and degradation. Roadless areas are essential for the recovery and long-term survival of many imperiled species. The Forest Services preliminary biological assessment determined that rescinding the Roadless Rule is likely to adversely affect 327 threatened and endangered species and 71 designated critical habitats (p. 25, 161162). In the Northern Rockies, these lands provide some of the highest-value habitat connections for grizzly bears. Approximately 7.7 million acres of Roadless Areas fall within the most important connectivity pathways for female grizzly bears, and 6.7 million acres fall within the highest-value pathways for male bears. These areas represent nearly half of the habitat needed to reconnect isolated grizzly bear populations and support their continued recovery. In the Southern Appalachians, roadless forests help protect the clean, cold streams required by eastern hellbenders. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified sedimentation from human activities as a primary threat to hellbender populations. Intact forest cover helps prevent erosion, maintain water quality, and preserve the rocky stream habitat hellbenders depend on. The Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests support some of the strongest remaining hellbender populations, demonstrating the importance of protecting these largely undeveloped public lands. The Forest Service has argued that rescinding the Roadless Rule could help address wildfire risk, but recent peer-reviewed research suggests otherwise. A 2026 study found that wildfires are approximately four times more likely to ignite near roads than in roadless areas. Roads increase human access and human-caused ignition sources, including unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, and vehicle-related sparks. Opening intact backcountry forests to additional road construction is not a sound wildfire prevention strategy. Roadless areas protect wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and ecological connectivity. Once roads are built, habitat fragmentation and ecosystem impacts can persist for decades. At a time when biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten wildlife across the United States, the Forest Service should be strengthening protections for roadless areas rather than eliminating them. I urge the U.S. Forest Service to withdraw this proposal and maintain the protections provided by the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. References: U.S. Forest Service. Roadless Areas. https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless U.S. Forest Service. Draft EIS. https://usfs-public.app.box.com/s/gomzq6rruwsds8rw50o3j3g429utj8f6/file/2415112742244 Bears Belong. The Roadless Rule: How rescinding the Roadless Rule will negatively impact grizzlies. https://www.bearsbelong.com/roadless-rule U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Species Status Assessment Report for the Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis), Version 2.1, 2024. https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/263350 U.S. Forest Service. Becoming the Hellbender. National Forests in North Carolina, March 18, 2025. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/northcarolina/newsroom/stories/becoming-hellbender Belote, R.T., et al. (2026). Human access and wildfire ignition patterns in roaded and roadless forests. Fire Ecology, 22. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s42408-026-00450-2