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 comments11 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

11 submissions in this letter's group · showing 1–11Clear all filters

Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Sep 22, 2026FS-2025-0001-465270
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 11 submissions in its group.
I am deeply concerned with the idea of rescinding the Roadless Rule, which is extremely important to maintaining the health of our local drinking water resources. The Roadless Rule directly protects over 80,000 miles of rivers, some of which are right here in my back yard in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Our local water resources are already heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and erosion caused by rampant development throughout the region, so it is critical that we conserve the safe haven spaces currently protected by the Roadless Rule. I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations to come. Sincerely, Jessica Holtzapple
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Sep 21, 2026FS-2025-0001-458419
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 11 submissions in its group.
As a passionate advocate for our nation's public lands and waterways, I am writing to share my strong opposition to rescinding or altering the Roadless Conservation Area Rule. The protections currently provided for these 58.5 million acres of land across the United States not only conserve critical habitat for native species, but they also ensure that Americans, like myself, have undeveloped natural spaces to enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and so much more. One of my favorite places to visit is the ___________ [insert a specific roadless area or river in a roadless area here] near my home in ________. As a 37+ year resident and frequent vacationer in the NC mountains, I am deeply concerned with the idea of rescinding the Roadless Rule, which is extremely important to maintaining the health of our local drinking water resources. The Roadless Rule directly protects over 80,000 miles of rivers, some of which are right here in my back yard in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Our local water resources are already heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and erosion caused by rampant development throughout the region, so it is critical that we conserve the safe haven spaces currently protected by the Roadless Rule. I have seen this first hand when our cove on Lake Wylie was repeatedly polluted with run off when the woods behind us were clear cut for a major new development. Today I drove through Bat Cave and Chimney Rock in NC and witnessed the devastation still evident after Hurricane Helene. I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations to come. The beauty of North Carolina is unmatched - do not destroy it through greed and/or misguided decision making. Sincerely, Janet Harlan
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 18, 2026FS-2025-0001-447826
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 11 submissions in its group.
As a passionate advocate for our nation's public lands and waterways, I am writing to share my strong opposition to rescinding or altering the Roadless Conservation Area Rule. The protections currently provided for these 58.5 million acres of land across the United States not only conserve critical habitat for native species, but they also ensure that Americans, like myself, have undeveloped natural spaces to enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and so much more. One of my favorite places to visit is the ___________ [insert a specific roadless area or river in a roadless area here] near my home in ________. I am deeply concerned with the idea of rescinding the Roadless Rule, which is extremely important to maintaining the health of my local drinking water. The Roadless Rule directly protects over 80,000 miles of rivers, some of which are right here in my back yard in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Our local water resources are already heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and erosion caused by rampant development throughout the Charlotte region, so it is critical that we conserve the safe haven spaces currently protected by the Roadless Rule. Even though I live across the state line in South Carolina- everything happening in Charlotte effects us. This is why federal protection is so IMPORTANT!!! I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations that come after us. It is our job to protect it. Sincerely, Danielle Holmes 1132 Wessington Manor, Fort Mill, SC
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Sep 13, 2026FS-2025-0001-373405
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 11 submissions in its group.
As a passionate advocate for our nation's public lands and waterways, I am writing to share my strong opposition to rescinding or altering the Roadless Conservation Area Rule. The protections currently provided for these 58.5 million acres of land across the United States not only conserve critical habitat for native species, but they also ensure that Americans, like myself, have undeveloped natural spaces to enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and so much more. I am deeply concerned with the idea of rescinding the Roadless Rule, which is extremely important to maintaining the health of our local drinking water resources. The Roadless Rule directly protects over 80,000 miles of rivers, some of which are right here in my back yard in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Our local water resources are already heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and erosion caused by rampant development throughout the region, so it is critical that we conserve the safe haven spaces currently protected by the Roadless Rule. I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations to come. Sincerely, Leslie Flanagan
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Sep 12, 2026FS-2025-0001-359304
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 11 submissions in its group.
I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations to come.
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Sep 12, 2026FS-2025-0001-360742
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 11 submissions in its group.
As a passionate advocate for our nation's public lands and waterways, I am writing to share my strong opposition to rescinding or altering the Roadless Conservation Area Rule. The protections currently provided for these 58.5 million acres of land across the United States not only conserve critical habitat for native species, but they also ensure that Americans, like myself, have undeveloped natural spaces to enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and so much more. I am deeply concerned with the idea of rescinding the Roadless Rule, which is extremely important to maintaining the health of our local drinking water resources. The Roadless Rule directly protects over 80,000 miles of rivers, some of which are right here in my back yard in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Our local water resources are already heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and erosion caused by rampant development throughout the region, so it is critical that we conserve the safe haven spaces currently protected by the Roadless Rule. I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations to come. Sincerely, Deborah Adams
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 4/24Sep 2, 2026FS-2025-0001-301572
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 11 submissions in its group.
As a passionate advocate for our nation's public lands and waterways, I am writing to share my strong opposition to rescinding or altering the Roadless Conservation Area Rule. The protections currently provided for these 58.5 million acres of land across the United States not only conserve critical habitat for native species, but they also ensure that Americans, like myself, have undeveloped natural spaces to enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and so much more. One of my favorite places to explore is Pisgah National Forest near my home in Charlotte, NC. I am deeply concerned with the idea of rescinding the Roadless Rule, which is extremely important to maintaining the health of our local drinking water resources. The Roadless Rule directly protects over 80,000 miles of rivers, some of which are right here in my back yard in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Our local water resources are already heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and erosion caused by rampant development throughout the region, so it is critical that we conserve the safe haven spaces currently protected by the Roadless Rule. I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations to come. Sincerely, SARAH WALKO
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Sep 2, 2026FS-2025-0001-305700
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 11 submissions in its group.
As a passionate advocate for our nation's public lands and waterways, I am writing to share my strong opposition to rescinding or altering the Roadless Conservation Area Rule. The protections currently provided for these 58.5 million acres of land across the United States not only conserve critical habitat for native species, but they also ensure that Americans, like myself, have undeveloped natural spaces to enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and so much more. One of my favorite places to visit is the Potomac River near my home in Brunswick, MD. I am deeply concerned with the idea of rescinding the Roadless Rule, which is extremely important to maintaining the health of our local drinking water resources. The Roadless Rule directly protects over 80,000 miles of rivers, some of which are right here in my back yard in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Our local water resources are already heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and erosion caused by rampant development throughout the region, so it is critical that we conserve the safe haven spaces currently protected by the Roadless Rule. I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations to come. Sincerely, Michelle
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-298503
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.This comment stands for all 11 submissions in its group.
As a passionate advocate for our nation's public lands and waterways, I am writing to share my strong opposition to rescinding or altering the Roadless Conservation Area Rule. The protections currently provided for these 58.5 million acres of land across the United States not only conserve critical habitat for native species, but they also ensure that Americans, like myself, have undeveloped natural spaces to enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and so much more. One of my favorite places to visit is Wilson Creek near my home in Cleveland County North Carolina. I am deeply concerned with the idea of rescinding the Roadless Rule, which is extremely important to maintaining the health of our local drinking water resources. The Roadless Rule directly protects over 80,000 miles of rivers, some of which are right here in my back yard in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Our local water resources are already heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and erosion caused by rampant development throughout the region, so it is critical that we conserve the safe haven spaces currently protected by the Roadless Rule. I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations to come. Sincerely, Amber
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 6/24Sep 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-298589
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 11 submissions in its group.
As a passionate advocate for our nation's public lands and waterways, I am writing to share my strong opposition to rescinding or altering the Roadless Conservation Area Rule. The protections currently provided for these 58.5 million acres of land across the United States not only conserve critical habitat for native species, but they also ensure that Americans, like myself, have undeveloped natural spaces to enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and so much more. One of my favorite places to visit is the Wilson Creek near my home in Denver, NC. I am deeply concerned with the idea of rescinding the Roadless Rule, which is extremely important to maintaining the health of our local drinking water resources. The Roadless Rule directly protects over 80,000 miles of rivers, some of which are right here in my back yard in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Our local water resources are already heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and erosion caused by rampant development throughout the region, so it is critical that we conserve the safe haven spaces currently protected by the Roadless Rule. I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations to come. Sincerely, Robin Mack
Full analysis of this comment →
Opposes rescissionA0 noneSubstance 3/24Sep 1, 2026FS-2025-0001-299136
PLACESTANDDOCGAPEVIDASKALTLAW
Campaign — One letter sent by 10 or more people, copied or lightly reworded. See the letter, its submissions and topics.One of 11 submissions in its group.
As a passionate advocate for our nation's public lands and waterways, I am writing to share my strong opposition to rescinding or altering the Roadless Conservation Area Rule. The protections currently provided for these 58.5 million acres of land across the United States not only conserve critical habitat for native species, but they also ensure that Americans, like myself, have undeveloped natural spaces to enjoy. I am deeply concerned with the idea of rescinding the Roadless Rule, which is extremely important to maintaining the health of our local drinking water resources. The Roadless Rule directly protects over 80,000 miles of rivers, some of which are right here in my backyard in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin. Our local water resources are already heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and erosion caused by rampant development throughout the region, so it is critical that we conserve the safe haven spaces currently protected by the Roadless Rule. I strongly support maintaining the Roadless Rule as it is. Watershed protection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our communities now and for generations to come. Sincerely, Adria Focht
Full analysis of this comment →

Sharing & methodology

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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's bulk download, the canonical source: https://www.regulations.gov/bulkdownload. Download the CSV directly (Regulations.gov keeps this link working until October 18, 2026): https://bulk-downloads.regulations.gov/mv4-z8fw-q5jx.csv.

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