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 comments30 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
Count
Position
Answerability
Substance /24
Order
30 submissions in this letter's group · showing 1–20Clear all filters
  1. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-553513
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. No amount of money is worth clean. Air clean water, clean soil, healthy ecosystems. We need to protect our protected areas old growth, trees, Water systems, Wildlife, etc now and in the future The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Jeannie Bohley Garden City, MI
    Full analysis of this comment →
  2. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 5, 2026FS-2025-0001-553867
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. This is not only unpopular and not wanted by most of the country, it's dangerous. There is soil erosion, removal of the gift of oxygen, loss of habitat, loss of cooling shade, and worst of all loss of old growth forests, and the natural spaces that are desperately needed for our souls. Sincerely, Laura Tiaga Spokane, WA
    Full analysis of this comment →
  3. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-534112
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Please do not get rid of the roadless rule. Once this nature is destroyed it cannot be reversed and will cause irreparable harm. Nature has a right to exist. I love our American wildernesses, please leave them wildernesses. Sincerely, Maria Roland Storm Lake, IA
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  4. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-537852
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. Science has confirmed that natural habitat, green and blue spaces are essential to our health. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Scientist studies show that trees are important to our physical health. I have references if you want. Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized.  I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests and protect also our water and air from pollution. Sincerely, Liz Hall Wildwood, GA
    Full analysis of this comment →
  5. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-538693
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires.  More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  I have driven on many forest service roads that have endless informal fire pits often littered with partially burned trash. Clearly some are used by careless partiers, not hunters or campers, and pose great threat to creating dangerous wildfires. In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Sego Jackson Clinton, WA
    Full analysis of this comment →
  6. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-545948
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    Dear US Forest Service Administrators, Let me be clear. As citizens of the United States the land belongs to all of us to steward carefully. Please listen to us as citizens who care deeply about our forests. I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Sister Bernadette Helfert Sincerely, Bernadette Helfert Leavenworth, KS
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  7. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Oct 4, 2026FS-2025-0001-546095
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     TRUMP has proven over and over again that he only cares about himself and MONEY! He is a disgrace to humanity I doubt he even cares about his own grandchildren or any other children! He must be STOPPED! Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Susan Dandorf Staten Island, NY
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  8. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 30, 2026FS-2025-0001-517312
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    One of the things I love most about America is the wilderness. Every time I travel other places in the world, I am reminded that I live in the greatest country in the world in come part because of the protected wild spaces we the people get to enjoy. I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Teresa McGlashan Mill Valley, CA
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  9. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 29, 2026FS-2025-0001-504635
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. All of this was put into place because we realized how important it was… our trees and wild life will always be important… We need them… Please protect them - we have so little left already!!! Sincerely, Jennifer Towles Ooltewah, TN
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  10. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 29, 2026FS-2025-0001-504666
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    HUMAN BEINGS Are PART OF NATURE, NOT SEPARATE. To destroy our forests and native ecosystems, to protect endangered species, is to protect ourselves. True Trump administraciones I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule because they ARE SUICIDAL. . The next endangered species is us. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Haydee V Suescum Sincerely, Haydée Suescum San Antonio, TX
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  11. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 29, 2026FS-2025-0001-505980
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Please just ask yourselves this hasn't Donald Trump done enough damage to our country without him taking away our public lands and wildlife too!Sincerely, Linda Drejerwski Sincerely, Linda Drejerwski Bensalem, PA
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  12. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 29, 2026FS-2025-0001-510005
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    Please reserve our open country. This provides game, hiking and motorized vehicle use. Dont just cut down the whole forest when critically looking at areas can determine best use and least invasive to the peoples land. I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Lorena Payne East Helena, MT
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  13. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 29, 2026FS-2025-0001-515252
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. This affects areas near where i live that are beautiful. We will not be able to hike there any more or benefit from these lands if they are turned into more industrial wastelands. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     and the Allegany Nationsl Forest. Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Catherine Bilodeau-Redeye Basom, NY
    Full analysis of this comment →
  14. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 28, 2026FS-2025-0001-495035
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    For many years I was a backcountry wilderness guide in our beloved Yellowstone National Park. Now I am retired and live in Paradise Valley, just north of the Park, and I watch with great concern as the human population explodes and the pressures on our mountains and wildlife from human incursion increases. I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Margarita McLarty Livingston, MT
    Full analysis of this comment →
  15. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 28, 2026FS-2025-0001-495159
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. Personal: Forests preserve animals, plants and humans. If humans cannot walk through a forest, that is sad. Quads, 'cycles, noise are not for a forest or the animals or birds in it. Logging, NO. Planting more trees, YES. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Laurel Mancini Virginia Beach, VA
    Full analysis of this comment →
  16. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 28, 2026FS-2025-0001-496163
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    For over 65 years I have hiked and camped in our western forests. I have seen the impacts that roads have in forests: they disrupt habitat, they bisect territories, they allow the introduction of invasive plants. There is already plenty of access to our national forests. I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Rick Soehren Sacramento, CA
    Full analysis of this comment →
  17. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 28, 2026FS-2025-0001-501710
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    Please consider the havoc global warming is wreaking. Consider the increase in fires, the longer "fire season," and the MASSIVE fires. Then consider that research has documented that 90% of forest fires start WITHIN a HALF MILE of roads. 800 feet. I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Janet Childress Helena, MT
    Full analysis of this comment →
  18. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-467852
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    Show some integrity and stop the insanity in this psychotic administration. You know that enacting this proposal is wrong. It's always, always, always about the billionaires getting richer at the cost of all American taxpayers and it's sickening. I oppose, and you should too, the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Jill Welsh Vienna, VA
    Full analysis of this comment →
  19. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 18, 2026FS-2025-0001-446239
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. I believe it is more important than ever to protect our wildlife and drinking water, climate change is rapidly effecting our daily lives and I feel its best to leave remaining healthy environments alone, for the good of humans and animals. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Xander King Alton, IL
    Full analysis of this comment →
  20. Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 17, 2026FS-2025-0001-437831
    PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW

    Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 30 submissions in its group.

    Why can’t this President appreciate nature? This is bizarre behavior. Maybe he needs to take a vacation to national parks instead of golf. He really. Weds to see the majesty of the natural world instead of trying to develop it for profit. I oppose the Trump administration’s plans to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The roadless areas in our national forests are an American treasure. For a quarter century, the Roadless Rule has protected them from roadbuilding and logging, preserving irreplaceable wildlife habitats, sources of clean water, and recreation areas for future generations. The Trump administration’s proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule threatens all these benefits. This rollback would harm forests like the Tongass National Forest, where the Roadless Rule protects over 9 million acres of the 17-million-acre forest from industrial logging and damaging roadbuilding.     Although the proposed repeal is being justified in part as a wildfire-prevention measure, peer-reviewed evidence shows that increasing roadbuilding will only increase wildfires. More than 80% of wildfires occur within 800 meters of roads, according to recent research.  In addition, increasing timber production means cutting down bigger, old trees, which are the most resilient to wildfire. Once an old-growth tree is cut and sold, it will take hundreds of years to replace it, and even longer for ecosystems to heal following clearcutting. Since older trees absorb and store more carbon than their younger counterparts, it is especially important that we keep these forests standing right now while we have the greatest ability to mitigate climate change.    Forests are not a crop to be used to line the pockets of industry executives. They sustain fish, birds, wildlife, and people; filter drinking water; provide recreational opportunities; and absorb and store carbon, helping us to fight climate change. Carving up these forests with roads and logging means we lose those benefits. These lands belong to all Americans, not the timber industry. The pristine lands protected by the Roadless Rule provide an extraordinary landscape for numerous backcountry recreation activities; sustain sensitive fish, bird and wildlife species that need these intact ecosystems to survive; provide subsistence to Tribes; and provide clean, clear drinking water for communities. Without protection for these roadless lands, all of those benefits will be jeopardized. I urge you to keep the Roadless Rule in place and protect our forests. Sincerely, Deborah Doyle Laceys Spring, AL
    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.

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