The Public Record · Docket FS-2025-0001

Read the comments.

Every public comment on the proposed rescission of the Roadless Rule, sorted by what it talks about. Pick a topic, then narrow by position, by how hard the comment is for the agency to set aside, or by how substantive it is. Each comment is shown in full, as filed. How comments are classified and scored is explained in the Comment Analysis.

1 unique comments52 submissions

Position

Opposes rescission 100.0%

Answerability

A1 strong 0
A2 moderate 0
A3 weak 0
A0 none 1

Substance /24

Median 6middle half 6–6 · 1 scored

Topics raised

52 submissions in this letter's group · showing 1–20Clear all filters

Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-555020
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-533771
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-542346
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-542370
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-542488
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
Dear Forest Service, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-542498
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-542530
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-542871
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-529659
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-529710
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-529985
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-530253
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-530300
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-530479
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you. Brandi H.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 28, 2026FS-2025-0001-484658
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 24, 2026FS-2025-0001-479730
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-469160
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 21, 2026FS-2025-0001-452315
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 21, 2026FS-2025-0001-452320
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 21, 2026FS-2025-0001-452324
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 52 submissions in its group.
To Whom It May Concern, I strongly oppose the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proposal to rescind the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Since 2001, Roadless Areas have effectively preserved many of the most important characteristics of our public lands, such as clean water, intact mature and old-growth forests, wildlife, and recreational opportunities that simply don’t exist anywhere else. In the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the values protected by Inventoried Roadless Areas are especially rare. Opening up Roadless Areas to logging and roadbuilding would destroy the most significant vestiges of natural landscape remaining in the Southern Appalachians, in a way that can’t be undone for generations—if ever. As someone who cares deeply about the ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, I know that Roadless Area protection is vital to the watershed I love. Roadless Areas buffer the National Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor, ensuring access to clean, crystal-clear water for tens of thousands of recreationalists every year, from trout fishermen to whitewater rafters. They provide undisturbed habitats essential for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species; as well as state species of greatest concern, migratory birds, and wildlife valued by hunters and anglers. Those seeking solitude or access to untouched natural landscapes can find these qualities in Roadless Areas in and around the Chattooga River watershed. These values are often not accessible on local public land outside of Roadless Area protection, and they would be irrevocably damaged by roadbuilding and logging if the Roadless Rule were stripped away. Roadless Areas also protect against wildfire ignition risk, at a time when wildfire severity is rising nationwide. In fact, over the past three decades, wildfires were nearly 4X more likely to start within 50m of a road than in Inventoried Roadless Areas. Current Roadless Rule protections not only address the threat of wildfire ignition, but they also already allow flexibility for forest management activities and roadbuilding when necessary to fight fires. The Roadless Rule serves the interests of local communities and visitors who benefit from Inventoried Roadless Area values. This is apparent in the 99.8% of comments which opposed this proposed action at the Notice of Intent stage. Repealing the Roadless Rule would not “provide benefits to the American people” as the Department claims, but would, instead, refute the will of the public, who overwhelmingly support keeping the Roadless Rule in place. There is therefore no need to repeal the popular and effective Roadless Rule. It is working. I urge you to keep the 2001 Roadless Rule intact. Thank you.
Full analysis of this comment →

Sharing & methodology

These results are meant to be shared.

Please cite us. This analysis is the intellectual property of Roadless.org and Nicholas Holshouser. You are welcome to reproduce it — every reproduction must include this citation:

Roadless.org and Nicholas Holshouser, “2001 Roadless Rule Revision — Substantive Analysis,” https://roadless.org.

How it works. A large language model (an open-weight Qwen3.8 model) reads each substantive comment and copies, word for word, the passages that carry its analytical gap, evidence, request, alternative and connection to the place; it returns no scores. Code grades those passages 0–3 on eight dimensions — evidence, legal grounding, engagement with the environmental analysis, analytical gaps, alternatives, specific requests, position, and local knowledge — with legal grounding taken from a citation scan, not the model. For the strongest tenth on each side, the copied passages are checked against the comment and shown as exhibits. A comment counts as “substantive” when it clears a floor filter — it must show at least one substantive signal (a named entity, a specific citation, a stated analytical deficiency, or first-person testimony), which screens out one-line and purely conclusory submissions before any model scoring.

The full method. Every step, why it is done that way, its known limits and a glossary: Methodologies →

The data. The full canonical dataset — every comment on Docket FS-2025-0001 — is available from Regulations.gov: https://www.regulations.gov/bulkdownload.

Roadless.org — analysis of the public comment docket.
Media inquiries welcome — nicholas@wanderingnature.com.